Lladro Porcelain Colectibles
Lladro was founded in 1953 in Almácera, Spain. Since then, they have become a huge firm of international scope. Lladro pieces dominate the porcelain collectible world as it is known today. Typified by lank characters, with long limbs and pale colors, the Lladro style was original when it first appeared almost 50 years ago. Today, many other porcelain collectibles attempt to mimic them. Most would agree that they are unsuccessful. Lladro pieces are truly elegant and unable to be copied.
These elegant pieces characterize a generation. If you're reading this article on the Internet, it's probably not your generation. Nevertheless, the pieces are timeless. The price of these porcelains has risen greatly in recent years. Mnay consider them unattainable.
Find out more at Lladro.com.
|
Zampiva Porcelain Collectibles
Zampiva collectible porcelains first showed up in 1978, 25 years later than Lladro. Lino Zampiva's inspiration was not to mimic the porcelain giant, but rather to establish a new era in porcelain collectible design. Zampiva collectibles are most notable for their plump, vivacious bambinas (baby girls) in colorful patterned outfits, with their spaghetti-like angel hair. Starting at around $25 US, they're definitely very reasonable. The demand for them is growing very fast, though.
Zampiva porcelains use many new techniques, invented by Lino Zampiva. One notable technique is the angel hair. Thin, fragile strands of porcelain hair sit upon these dolls' heads. Other porcelains all have monolithic hair carved into the head of the dolls. Zampiva invented a technique whereby hair breakage would not reveal the white porcelain, thus making strandy hair possible. Another secret technique is the Zampiva method for creating colorful patterns and textures on porcelain dresses. They really must be seen to be fully appreciated.
Find out more at Zampiva.com.
|
Conclusion
Both porcelains are the highest quality available. They are hand-made, hand-painted, and created with the most delicate of care. Each appeals to a different crowd, however. Whereas the Lladro style of lank, exaggerated figures defined an era in collectibles, that era seems to be passing.
Zampiva porcelains offer new, exciting, and vivacious character that is sure to appeal to younger crowds. It is my personal opinion that Lladro was the porcelain for your parents. Zampivas offer a "Romero Britto" sense of style for a younger crowd, and a reasonable budget!.
|