3.04.2007

Lemming Lladro...yes, really!

Ugh. As much as I love learning and school and all that, homework and studying just really kind of suck. Especially on the weekends. Luckily I have this blog to come back to - it's a lovely tool for distraction and procrastination.

You've heard of Lladro, right?
You know, here's a classic example:
Let's Make Up

Super-sappy "precious moments" figures for big spenders, "loved by collectors and loathed by the rest." So says the FT, who featured Lladro in Friday's article, Fired up for some china magic, amongst several very interesting avant-garde potters. Huh?
I mean, Lladro and avant garde in the same sentence...seems like an oxymoron, right?

The reason soon becomes apparent: Jaime Hayon
has been appointed creative director for the company. I guess they decided they wanted a fresh point of view...it's about time! I for one think they made a wonderful choice. Hayon's collection "Re-Deco" is all about a post-modern neoclassicism: "Underpinning this new initiative is the idea that any classical piece can evolve thanks to a new decoration, taking on a new meaning."

Exhibit A is this spectacular mirror...see, this is how to maintain a legacy and be classical without being staid!


Then there's this lamp, which I find cool, not kitsch. Well, maybe a little kitsch. I love its proportions and how the shade is angled to the side.


Hayon also continues the Lladro tradition of reissuing great works of art in porcelain form. I'm not even going to tell you what I think about this pre-Hayon Klimt...which retails for $1600.

Luckily for Hayon, he somehow makes it work. When I saw this piece, I thought it looked terribly familiar...but it took me a few minutes to place the reference.


It's Magritte's Carte Blanche (1965), a wonderful Surrealist painting.
The great thing about Hayon's piece is that the reference doesn't hit you over the head (well, maybe it's a little more obvious here - Velasquez, anyone?). It stands on its own as a beautiful and unique object.

Other things of interest I noticed on the Lladro Lladro> website include the Re-Cyclos collection by Bodo Sperlein.

These salt and pepper shakers are fun and witty but the matte black/white porcelain keeps them classic.

Ditto with this ram bottle stopper.


This vase is just gorgeous, don't you agree?


Also, the jewelery from this collection is not to be missed. Look at this ring - hello, it has a wee bird on it! I love the contrast of the differently textured gold and porcelain.


Many thanks to my uber-fabulous mom for the heads-up.

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3 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Oh yes, the bird jewelry. Just LOVE it. Hayon is a genius and will do wonderful things for Lladro, I am guessing!

March 4, 2007 at 2:05 PM  
Blogger mavieenrose said...

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership between Lladro and Hayon. =)

March 4, 2007 at 10:21 PM  
Blogger Hazelnut said...

I love ALL these pieces. They are awesome!

March 5, 2007 at 5:30 AM  

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