Sculpting porcelain is an art. Every stroke of colour, every coat of paint and glaze matters if you're looking for finesse. The 60th anniversary exhibition of Lladro, that opened in the city on October 15, boasts of such a collection. With the oldest of piece, titled Charm, dating back to 1958, it showcases the different phases of the craft that the Spain-based company has progressed through.
Charm portrays a Spanish woman against a rustic landscape. With her skirt tucked in on one side, the detailing is such that every grape on the bunch that she's holding is visible. In the 1960s, the company expanded to target connoisseurs in America. So from this period one sees vases and lamp shades, all limited editions and each piece different as Lladro's chief operating officer Nikhil Lamba says.
In the following decades, Lladro expanded to various countries, focusing on the cultures of Japan and other Asian countries. Intricate facial expressions and use of pastel and earthy palettes were a common feature then.
With the new millennium, Indian heritage too found a place in Lladro's collection when one of the three brothers who founded the company visited the country. Moving away from the pastel hues to rich reds and even gold, the Spirit of India began aptly with Ganesha, soon Lakshmi followed. This year's special piece Ram Durbar comprises Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman. "This is especially appropriate because of the festive season," says Lamba.
The textures vary to give various looks. The wrestlers in Champion look as if they could be made of steel, while petals look straight out of a flower shop. Each flower in the garland adorning Lakshmi is etched out to bring out softness.
A travelling exhibition with pieces from the Llardo museum in Spain, the collection came to Bangalore from Delhi. On show from 3 to 7 pm till October 18 at Sublime Art Galleria, U B City, the collection will be seen in Mumbai next.