Japan-Kabuki Sculpture. Limited Edition – Lladro

Hina Dolls - Emperor is an exquisite piece of High Porcelain with delicate and meticulous embellishment, inspired by an ancient Japanese tradition. It is a piece destined to become a veritable family heirloom. This emperor represents one of the leading figures of Hina Ningyo, a composition of figures placed upon a stage, where girls are given away in Japan every 3 March at the feast of Hina Matsuri to assure them a happy life. This limited edition, which pays careful attention to the smallest details of the garments worn by emperors of the Japanese court during the Heian period, forms a pair with Hina Dolls - Empress. On a decorative level, the reproduction of the richness of embroidered fabrics is highlighted, as is the image of traditional Japanese fabric simulating Damascus silk, which transforms the piece into a little jewel. In terms of the richness of the colour palette, this creation surpasses the classic Lladró palette and introduces more intense colours. The dark colour of the dress and the decorative details in three tones are emphasised, applied by hand through a painstaking process which enables them to stand out against such an intense background.

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.

Shrinathji is a manifestation of Krishna, one of India’s most venerated deities, incarnated in a seven-year-old boy. Shrinathji is a grace-filled divinity, the balanced abode of contradictions. He is a child, yet he supports the world. He is both pond and lotus, he is all things at once. Exquisitely faithful to traditional iconography, this majestic depiction in porcelain stands out for its sumptuous decoration and also for the dazzling ornamental wealth of a god who represents pure bliss. A wide range of finishes were using in making this impressive sculpture, including the combination of matte and glazed porcelain with enamels, and different coatings of golden luster and metallic tones. The intense saffron color of the clothing symbolizes happiness and success. In addition, it is richly decorated with a jewelry hand-painted in bright greens and blues, and with a splendid garland of white flowers, modeled petal by petal by Lladró artists.

This creation is based on a contemporary vision of Mickey Mouse. The creative approach is based on animation techniques and brushwork in black and white ink. Here Mickey is decorated with drawings hand-painted on the porcelain that represent some of the most outstanding themes in Lladró’s imagery, such as love, nature and magic. The drawings also feature in the decoration of his t-shirt, his famous gloves, socks and shoes, all executed with great precision and at once in a light-hearted charming fashion. The black and white decoration is set off by a few well-chosen touches of golden luster in his nose or the keys hanging from his waist, the keys which Mickey uses to open hearts. Because if there is one character capable of speaking of goodness and love, then that is Mickey Mouse, and this is especially true in this creation.