Spanish Lladro Nao Porcelain Clown Figurine. Title: "Little Clown in Love." Delicately painted features with a remarkably intact blooming flower in his hand. Marked on the underside and dated 2002. 

Size: 5 1/2 x 3 x 7 in. 

Lladró is a Spanish company based in Tavernes Blanques, Valencia, that produces high-end lighting, home accessories, decorative sculptures and porcelain figurines. The company was founded in 1953 by three brothers, Juán, José and Vicente Lladró. Starting with items such as vases and jugs, it wasn’t until 1956 that they started producing the sculptures for which they are now known. In 1962, the brothers opened the Professional Training School at their site in Tavernes Blanques to share their knowledge and experience. In 1969 the City of Porcelain was opened by the Spanish Minister for Industry. It took 2 years to build, and currently employs over 2,000 people. In 1973 Lladró bought 50% of the North American company Weil Ceramics & Glass, expanding their market further. In the late 1980s further subsidiaries were formed in Tokyo and New York City. In 2016 PHI Industrial Acquisitions acquired a majority stake in the Lladró Group, and continues to produce their hard-paste porcelain figures under the family name.

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