Piety in Porcelain

In Christian iconography, a pietà (the pity) depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the the body of her son, Jesus following his crucifixion.  This solemn and moving interpretation is by the famed Spanish porcelain company, Lladró.  Designed by Sculptor Salvador Furiã and entitled "Piedad" (Piety), this poignant porcelain figurine (model number 5541) was issued in a limited edition of 1,000 in 1989 and retired in 1991.  It sits on its original wooden base and carries the company's mark. 

A closeup of the exquisitely modeled and expressive faces.

Lladró was founded in 1953 by three brothers, Juán, José, and Vicente Lladró.  Encouraged by their mother, the brothers were educated at the Valencia School of Arts and Crafts, where they studied sculpture and painting. They first began with a kiln they built at their parents' home, producing ceramic flowers and decorative items for sale in the local market and by 1956 the brothers began creating the sculptural figurines for which Lladró  has become world famous.  After expanding their workshop several times to meet growing demand for their porcelains, the brothers in 1958 relocated to a factory in Tavernes Blanques, where Lladró still resides today.

All posted items are for sale at Next-to-New, but things can sell quickly!

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