How Are Lladro Figurines Made?

At CollectorsLine, we carry only the finest collectible figurines. We are delighted to present the beautiful Nao by Lladro line made from the most excellent Spanish porcelain.

Each Lladro figurine undergoes an extensive design and production process to ensure that it is impeccably crafted. A new figurine is born when an artist sketches a design that reflects his or her inspiration. When the design is approved, a master sculptor forms a clay model based on the design. The sculptor must create the model 20% larger than the finished porcelain figurine to allow for shrinkage that occurs when fired in the kiln.

Mold makers then closely examine the hardened model and decide how to segment the piece. When the individual segments have been determined, the mold is sliced into miniscule pieces—sometimes a single sculpture requires hundreds of molds. Once the individual molds are ready, they are filled with the special Lladro liquid porcelain formula, the secret mixture first pioneered by the Lladro brothers in the 1950s, and allowed to harden. When the porcelain hardens, it is removed from the mold and meticulously cleaned and inspected for flaws.

Molds are destroyed after they have been used several times to prevent wear and to guarantee that each figurine is supremely crafted. The many pieces of the figurine are assembled together using liquid porcelain for glue, and each seam where two pieces meet is smoothed by hand to create a flawless surface.

Once the body of the figurine is assembled, a professional decorator meticulously hand paints each glaze onto the porcelain. This is extremely difficult because the colors remain clear until the figurine is placed in the kiln. When the glazing process is complete, the figurine is fired at over 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit for up to twenty hours, then removed to cool.

Finally, each figurine is personally inspected by the Lladro brothers and their team to make sure it is perfect. This extensive and highly technical process clearly demonstrates the superb quality of each Lladro figurine.

CollectorsLine is pleased to offer a beautiful selection of Nao by Lladro collectible figurines that will delight any collector! Visit our eBay Store, CollectorsLine, for great service and selection!