Lladro Star Wars Darth Vader Sculpture. Limited Edition

A symbol of power and prosperity in Eastern culture, this magical creature, the bearer of good luck, is the protagonist in this spectacular High Porcelain limited edition. The hundreds of scales covering its skin are individually hand painted with gold lustre, an extremely laborious technique requiring the expertise of the finest artists. The luminosity distinguishing its spectacular embellishment is attained by combining gloss and satin finishes, united by an iridescent metallic hue on the chest and a vivid turquoise hue on the crest. The complexity of the dragon´s shape and the tremendous number of tiny details make the process of its creation extremely difficult, from the modelling of the original sculpture through to its final firing in the kiln.

For thousands of years, these majestic creatures have represented the best omens in Eastern culture. Artists at the Lladró High Porcelain workshop have recreated this ancient tradition in these limited edition pieces, richly decorated with lustres and various textures and finishes. These lions, inspired by traditional statues of bronze, iron or granite which flank the doors of palaces, temples and noble houses in various Eastern countries, are presented in pairs and protect the buildings from evil spirits. Seen from the front, the male is located on the right and takes care of the structure, represented by the ball he holds with his leg, while the female is located on the left and cares for the inhabitants. This lion is paired with the guardian lioness (black) and there are two other decorative versions. Black, blue and silver tones are predominant in its ornamentation, giving the piece a very modern air. Artists of the High Porcelain workshop recreate and embellish every detail of the piece, such as the elaborate ornamentation of the skirts and chest plates, the introduction of the necklace as a decorative element and the lavish modelling of the manes and tails. Authentic filigree work makes these impressive sculptures a work halfway between the thousand-year-old tradition and the maker´s creation.

"Portraying Durga, the goddess who alleviates the suffering of all people on Earth, who protects the righteous and establishes benevolence and order, was both a challenge and an honor for Lladró artists. Made in a combination of glazed and matte porcelain, Durga is depicted sitting on the back of a spectacular tiger with striking blue eyes, symbolizing the goddess’s will and determination. The eight arms with which she is portrayed, each one holding a symbol of the different powers given to her by the gods, seem to have a movement of their own, while the goddess’s body and face convey a sense of peace and compassion. The composition is decorated with the signature deep red color of Hindu iconography and a spectrum of colors that includes faded browns, turquoises and mauves. These tonalities are enhanced by the use of carefully applied golden luster and a garland of flowers made up of 280 white and 7 pink petals, in addition to the delicate lotus flower she is holding in one of her hands. All these flowers are handmade, petal by petal."

This powerful character dressed in a spectacular costume is a limited edition of 250 units in High Porcelain, the category for the most exclusive pieces created at the Lladró workshops. The decoration of the piece also boasts a rich spectrum of colors, with a special mention for the metallic tones of the skirt, which called for a highly specific and complex application. Equally of note are the various finishes used to underscore the details and the striking recreation of the make-up covering the actor’s face. Kabuki is a creation conveying all the expressiveness and visual wealth that has made this traditional Japanese art form so famous.