Lladro FigurinesThe origins of Lladro go back more than fifty years to the Spanish village of Almāssera, which is near Valencia, Spain. Three brothers, Juan, Jose and Vicente, who were blessed with a great deal of artistic talent began to experiment with making porcelain sculptures. Determined to make a better life for themselves and their hardworking farming family, they strove to create porcelain the likes of which the world had never seen. Lladro figurines were the result of their combined efforts and enthusiasm, and their innovations and skill have led Lladro to become a worldwide leader in the field of decorative porcelain. Although Lladro has long since become an international firm, it has always preserved its family character. Even today, the three brothers who founded the company are still very much a part of the business and even continue to inspire the creation of new pieces released each year. The second generation of the Lladro family works closely with the original artists to preserve the ideals and aims of the company as Juan, Jose and Vicente intended. From the day they were released, the public fell immediately in love with Lladro figurines, and these days there are now more collectors than ever in more than one hundred and twenty countries all around the world. Thankfully, this makes Lladro collectible pieces very easy to find for both the novice and seasoned collectors. Some of the earlier pieces, however, may prove a bit harder to find and will require some searching to find. The Internet is a wonderful resource for those who are looking to find retired Lladro pieces or trying to get an idea of how much their pieces are worth. There are also Lladro collectors clubs in many of the countries where they are sold, and it's definitely worth your while as a new collector to get in touch with a network of enthusiasts who can help you choose the best pieces to start your collection and advise you about which dealers are reputable and which are not. Like many fine pieces of porcelain, the value of Lladro collectible porcelain depends on many different factors. Each piece is a unique work of art, hand crafted and designed by artisans whose devotion and love is evident in every piece. Therefore, it is natural for slight variations in color and texture to appear in some pieces, especially some of the older, retired Lladros, but it does not harm their value. Cracks, chips and damage from high temperatures and humidity will decrease their value, though, so be careful. Do your research before you buy so that you'll be familiar with the difference between a natural variation and a potentially condition lowering stain or crack. What makes Lladro figurines so popular with so many people is the character and emotion that seems to be emanated by each of their pieces, allowing collectors from all walks of life to identify and enjoy them on a level that is unlike any other. If you are lucky enough to get one of these beautiful pieces as a gift, or have decided to start your collection now, rest assured that you are doing more than just buying a piece of porcelain, you are joining the Lladro family. |