Lladro Figurine "Gala" (Model 01001490)

This is a tall, slender porcelain figurine from the Lladro 'Dazzled by the Sun' collection, titled 'Gala'. The piece depicts a glamorous woman in a long, flowing dress and an exceptionally wide-brimmed hat, characteristic of the Art Deco revival style popular in the late 1980s. The figurine is crafted from fine porcelain with a distinctive matte finish, moving away from Lladro's traditional high gloss. Its color palette features soft, muted earth tones consisting of greys, beiges, and subtle browns applied with a soft airbrushed gradient. Notable floral accents in a coral or pink hue are located at the neckline and along the hem of the dress, providing a delicate contrast to the monochromatic scheme. The craftsmanship is evident in the elongated, elegant proportions and the fine detail of the fingers and facial features. The item stands approximately 14 to 15 inches tall. While the underside is not visible to confirm the maker's mark, the silhouette and finish are definitive hallmark traits of Lladro artist Salvador Furió's work from 1986. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips or repairs, though a close inspection for cracks in the delicate extremities like the fingers or hat brim would be necessary for a final appraisal.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Lladro figurine 'Gala' (model 01001490), designed by Salvador Furió. Introduced in 1986 and retired in 1993, this piece belongs to a specific era where Lladro experimented with matte finishes and Art Deco-inspired silhouettes. My assessment reveals a well-preserved surface with the characteristic 'Gres' or matte finish, which is highly sensitive to skin oils and staining, yet appears pristine here. The delicate floral applications at the hem and neckline—common points of failure—appear intact. The current market for Lladro has shifted; while traditional glossy pieces have seen a decline, the larger, stylized matte figurines like the 'Dazzled by the Sun' series maintain a dedicated collector base due to their architectural presence. Recent auction comparables for this model typically range between $400 and $650 depending on the presence of the original box and documentation. Several limitations exist in this remote appraisal. Without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the blue tulip maker's mark or the incised year codes on the base, which are essential for confirming authenticity and production vintage. Furthermore, the exceptionally thin wide-brimmed hat is prone to internal hairline fractures that can be invisible in photographs but detectable under UV light or through a 'ring test.' A definitive authentication would require a tactile search for professional restorations and a physical review of the provenance (original receipt or box) to distinguish it from high-quality contemporary imitations. This valuation assumes the piece is in mint condition without professional repairs.