What Does All This Mean
for Collectors?
by Peggy Whiteneck
It only deepens the mystery to know of several instances in which
these earliest core
collection rarities that do have old impressed core collection marks
have subsequently also been found with the earliest impressed NAO marks.
As you can see from the picture, I have two of this
early decimal-point model, "Hunting Dog," #308.13 in
my personal collection, one with a Lladró impressed mark and the other
with a NAO-impressed mark. The way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised to find
this 1963 model with a Rosal mark, too. But what would it matter?
I defy anyone to tell
without looking at the mark which is which of the two pictured here. (Not to
leave you in suspense, the NAO is the one at the top of the frame.)
Does It Really Matter Anyway?
Each collector has to make his or her own peace with these questions.
As for me, I decided long ago that,
intriguing as
the questions are - and much as I enjoy the challenge of trying to sort
out the various
mysteries and inconsistencies that remain in a variety of possible answers -
these questions don't ultimately
matter.
This NAO goose, 11" tall and with that impossibly thin
and elongated and elegant neck, is one of my favorite Lladró models -
even if it is marked NAO and even if the glazed version of it (this one's matte)
went off the market recently at a last retail price of a mere 60 bucks U.S.
You may think the old Lladró-marked clone of this piece can be
qualitatively differentiated from its NAO-marked twin, but you'd have a tough
time proving it by me. A Lladró is a Lladró is a Lladró. (Photo by the author.)
Had I ever been in a position to have forked out a four-figure price
for one of Lladró's decimal-numbered core collection items, I might
feel differently about it, but I have never had the financial means to spend huge amounts
of money on one allegedly rare or prototypic item. Still, I've been able to
amass a substantial collection by spreading modest outlays over
several years, amounting to a substantial investment only in the aggregate.
Naturally, I care about the value of the collection, but there are other values
I value more.
I enjoy my Lladró collection - in all of its brands - as
much now, even knowing all that I now know, as I did when I started. But in order
to retain that sense of joy and enthusiasm, I've had to keep my head screwed
on straight. I was never really what you'd call "a Lladró groupie." In all
the years I've been collecting Lladró, I've learned not to
put much stock in the politics, personalities, or production claims of
the manufacturer.
For me, the product itself is the thing - and, at its best and in whatever brand,
this product is a thing of grace and elegance. I believe that, after all the
questions have been asked about monetary value and relative brand
prestige, the best of this art will stand the test of time...and I don't really care
what name they call it.
Announcing
A Collector's Book of Retired Lladró
by Peggy Whiteneck
published by
Old Line Publishing, LLC
Hampstead, Maryland
Posted 7/18/10
Ever since its founding in the 1950s and its subsequent, stellar rise to global prominence,
collectors have been fascinated with the singular modeling and attention to detail in
Lladró Spanish porcelain figurines. Eventually, collectors discovered that Lladró
wasn't just one brand, but several. At the same time, other companies began to sprout up all
over Spain, particularly around Lladó's own region in Valencia, working
"in the Lladró style" and hoping to catch a ride on the tailwinds of its popularity.
This book is written to acquaint readers with retired figurines in all the Lladró and
Lladró-affiliated brands and to help distinguish them from the work of other Spanish
companies. The book features substantive chapters on the Lladró "core brand,"
NAO by Lladró, Zaphir, Golden Memories, Rosal, and Hispania, complete with
representative photos for each brand.
Retail Price: $29.95
Special Pre-Order Price: $26.95
S & H: $5.95
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