From the Land of Porcelain

ICEX, the Spanish Exports and Investments entity, continues its mission to bring Spanish goods and crafts to the world. This time, they introduced us to the world of porcelain and its long-standing star, Lladró. 

Spain has long been known for its tradition of handmade ceramics. Most of the porcelain products from Spain are made completely by hand and under one roof, with absolutely nothing outsourced. It’s a source of pride for the country, and reflects years of history, culture, and craftsmanship. 

Another brand brought to us in the Middle East, through ICEX, is Lladró, commonly associated with class and luxury, is a leading Spanish maker of exquisite porcelain products. Lladró’s porcelain creations are known for their exceptionally high quality, exquisite and intricate detailing, soft colouring, and smooth finishes. The Spanish manufacturer uses only the best to create these works of art – from concept sketches to the final firing at high temperatures, each step in this carefully laid out process is carried out by artists and artisans working under the attentive eyes of the creative design team. 

Lladró’s story is one of passion and commitment. It all started by three brothers, Juan, José and Vicente Lladró, in the tiny agricultural village of Almàssera on the Spanish east coast, they made porcelain into a way of life. From their humble beginnings, they managed to build a business empire with their own hands (pun intended). Inspired by the works of the great European manufacturers of Meissen, Sèvres and Capodimonte, they began to make their first plates, vases and ceramic figurines. 

Lladró’s hand-crafted creations are world-renowned for their unique style and painstaking attention to detail. The company is also credited with having developed the revolutionary single-firing method, which soon replaced the traditional triple-firing. This pioneering method also helped to define another hallmark of the brand – the characteristic pastel tones that feature heavily in its product portfolio. 

Today, the brands’ aesthetic style has developed and evolved. It has led to a diverse range of designs, through a collaboration with external designers, such as Jaime Hayón, Bodo Sperlein, Paul Smith, and Gary Baseman. The Lladró brand also produces more than just sculptures – their expertise extends to jewelry and lighting as well. Take, for example, the Lladró chandelier. Considered by many to be the pinnacle of a luxurious home, Lladró has elevated chandeliers to another level by switching up from the traditional design to a more contemporary feel. Lladró chandeliers use crystals in conjunction with fine, hand-crafted porcelain, a revolutionary idea that resulted in chandeliers unlike anything you have ever seen! 

While porcelain is a world unto itself, owning a Lladró porcelain piece is akin to having a Birkin bag, at times with a price tag to match! These pieces are highly sought-after, with collections going up to several thousands of dollars. In the end though, you are owning a work of art, or beauty, craftsmanship, and true Spanish ingenuity. 


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