Lladro figurines originated way back in 1953 when three brothers, Juan, Jose and Vincente Lladro started creating sculptures as an experiment at their home in Almassera (Valencia).

By 1955 there had become growing public interest in their work and they began to produce pieces that were clearly influenced by the trends of the 18th century.

'THE HAPPIEST DAY' - Lladro

In 1958 the brothers took the decision to dedicate themselves to their creative work and transfered their small business to a warehouse in the town of Tavernes Blanques.

'DANCERS FROM THE NILE' - a Lladro 'matte' finish sculpture

The demand for their sculptures increased rapidly and a team of skilled sculptors and artisans began assisting the brothers in order to increase production of their work. Around this time the decision was taken to incorporate a logo within their work and 'The Victory of Samotracia' - a Greek masterpiece was added beside the wording 'Porcelanas Lladro' thus associating their creations with classical art. (See below).

NAO was established in 1968 as a part of the Lladro group.

It's initial purpose was to offer a range of handmade figures seperate from the Lladro sculptures that demonstrate characteristic warmth and grace seen in the expressiveness of their designs.

One of the adorable characters from NAO's 'CHEEKY CHERUBS' collection - GIGGLES

All NAO creations are produced by a team of experienced sculptors at the 'City of Porcelain' and not by 'trainee apprentices' as some would like to believe! Each piece is then made in the company's workshops in the town of Xirivella, Valencia (Spain).

'DREAMS WITH EEYORE' from NAO's recent and very popular Winnie The Pooh Collection

NAO translate moments from modern life into more contemporary, affordable creations than that of the Lladro figurines. Taking inspiration form unforgettable memories in everyday life; from childhood experiences through to falling in love; from the merryment of clowns to religiously inspired images - it can be said that there is a NAO creation that suits almost every individual!  

A 'NAO' is actually a sailing ship from the days of Columbus and the company logo depicts one of these on a homeward bound journey laden with artistic skills and creativity. (See below).

It is a little more difficult to authenticate a genuine Lladro sculpture as firstly the company logos can vary somewhat. It should, however, coincide with one of the following logotypes shown below:

One of the most distinctive parts of the Lladro logo is the flower. Famously known as the 'tulip' mark although it actually represents the 'bellflower' - which is the symbol for the Spanish Province of Valencia where Lladro originated. As you can see however from the examples above, not all Lladro pieces may bear this mark - particularly very early examples.

Prior to about 1970 when the transfer printed mark that we associate with Lladro today was first introduced, the sculptures only carried an impressed mark.

It is also fair to point out that any slightly inferior and yet genuine Lladro creations known on the market as 'seconds' will have had the flower symbol ground away. Although these minor faults are usually only visable to the trained eye, it is worth noting that a 'second'  will never increase in value unlike it's perfect twin.

A Lladro 'UNICORN' sculpture

Most other impressed marks found on the base of Lladro figurines really have no significance and are irrelevent to the particular sculptor or date the piece was produced. Invariably they are usually found to be just some form of 'scratch'!

A few early Lladro pieces were actually produced under the NAO banner before the introduction of the NAO ship logo now featured on all it's designs. 

Lladro are willing to help if you have doubts about the authenticity of a particular piece and request that you send details of it's reference number along with a clear photograph of it's base to their Customer Relations Department. They will then certify whether it is genuine.

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THE MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LLADRO AND NAO SCULPTURES

* NAO creations although handpainted, are less likely to display such individuality as the Lladro figurines mainly due to the differences in the way each brand is initially moulded.

* NAO sculptures are generally moulded in one piece whereas a more complex Lladro figurine is made of up to 300 individual pieces that are carefully handcrafted together using liquid porcelain.

* As all Lladro artisans have their own particular style it is the individuality of these pieces that is as attractive as the designs themselves and because of this you will never find any two pieces that are exactly identical.

* Both Lladro and NAO figurines are created to appeal to different markets. 

* Lladro pieces generally increase in value once out of production but be wary of sellers advertising 'retired' figurines that are actually still available in able to push up their prices! NAO collections are unlikely to increase in value but make great gifts all the same.

 Limited Edition of 1500 'BRIDGE OF DREAMS'

Produced in 2002 - currently still available to order priced £2,400

* NAO pieces are more distinguishable by the simplicity of their forms and lighthearted, more modern subject matters. Lladro figurines were originally inspired by the trends of the 18th Century although more contemporary style pieces have been produced and have more complex designs.

DAISA

Designos Artisanos Industriales SA  - this is the copyright which protects the designs and property rights of the Lladro company and can be found on both Lladro and NAO creations post 1977 when the first copyrighted pieces were produced.

Often refered to as 'Daisy'  - any dates printed on a genuine Lladro piece will refer to the original copyright date and not the date of production of the individual item. 

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