Celebrating over seven decades of porcelain artistry, Lladró is stepping boldly into the contemporary art world with the release of Art Editions, an exclusive series showcasing the brand’s versatility and artistic evolution. Leading the charge in this new venture is Javier Calleja, a renowned Spanish artist known for his distinct, emotionally evocative characters, as the inaugural artist in the series. His latest collection, You Choose One, is now available as a limited edition of 150, introducing a fresh vision to Lladró’s legacy of porcelain mastery.
A Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Art
You Choose One features three porcelain and glass sculptures: Boy, Devil Cat, and Angel Cat. Each character is a reflection of Calleja’s personal and unmistakable visual universe, defined by big eyes, exaggerated features, and an invitation to explore universal emotions. With this collection, Calleja offers a knowing nod to life’s constant decision-making, capturing the essence of innocence and introspection.
These creations represent a fusion of Calleja’s symbolic artistry and Lladró’s longstanding commitment to craftsmanship. As Lladró continues to diversify, Art Editions exemplifies the brand’s ability to push the boundaries of porcelain’s expressive potential. Calleja’s work, renowned for its simplicity and depth, is a perfect fit for this milestone project.
Handcrafted Excellence and Technical Mastery
Behind each of the seemingly simple figures in You Choose One lies a complex, handcrafted process that defines Lladró’s excellence. The Valencia-based artisans painstakingly produce each sculpture, from molds that range from five to two hundred, depending on the complexity of the piece. In the case of Calleja’s works, this intricate process captures the fine details of the figures, preserving their emotive qualities.
After the liquid porcelain solidifies into its final form, artisans in Lladró’s assembly and decoration sections hand-paint each piece, adding warm, vibrant tones that bring Calleja’s characters to life. The firing process in the kiln, which reduces each piece’s size by up to fifteen percent, is the final touch that ensures the success of the sculptures, a delicate balance between art and science.
An Emotional Journey Through Porcelain
Calleja’s decision to work with Lladró is a natural progression in his artistic journey, exchanging painting and sculpture for the timeless medium of porcelain. The result is a collection that evokes raw emotion, with each character inspiring reflection. As Calleja puts it, “Sometimes there is nothing to understand in my works, you only have to feel.”
In You Choose One, Calleja transforms ordinary moments into contemplative, emotive experiences, allowing each viewer to see their own “Jiminy Cricket”—a reference to the inner voice we all carry.
Exclusive Presentation
Each piece in the You Choose One collection is a limited edition, with only 150 sculptures available. Every box is crafted from wood and comes with a special certificate signed by Calleja himself, making each piece a unique collector’s item. With prices starting at £1,890, You Choose One marks an exclusive entry point into the contemporary art market for Lladró collectors and enthusiasts.
A New Era for Lladró
The release of You Choose One signals a new era for Lladró as the brand continues to innovate within the world of porcelain art. The collaboration with Javier Calleja reflects the brand’s dedication to staying at the forefront of artistic expression while maintaining its heritage of unparalleled craftsmanship. Art Editions represents not only a leap forward in Lladró’s artistic journey but also a celebration of porcelain as a medium for timeless emotions and stories.
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