NAO by Lladro 'How Pretty' Porcelain Figurine

This exquisite porcelain figurine, identified as 'How Pretty' (model number 1110) from the NAO collection by Lladro, depicts a young girl in a graceful, self-admiring pose. Crafted from fine, high-gloss glazed porcelain, the piece showcases the iconic pastel palette associated with the Lladro workshops in Valencia, Spain. The girl is dressed in a flowing, floor-length white gown with wide, flutter sleeves and a subtle high-waist band. Her hair is elegantly pulled back into a ponytail, secured by a soft blue ribbon that adds a delicate touch of color. The figurine stands approximately 7 to 8 inches tall. Notable features include the soft, rounded sculpture style and the emotive, downward-looking facial expression, capturing a quiet, innocent moment. The craftsmanship is evident in the delicate modeling of the fingers and the fluid draping of the skirt as she lifts one side to observe it. Based on the style and typical production cycles, this piece likely dates from the 1980s or 1990s. The visible condition appears excellent, with the high-gloss glaze intact, showing no apparent crazing, chips, or cracks. The colors remain vibrant and true to the original design. While the maker's mark is not visible in this angle, such pieces typically bear the stamped 'NAO Made in Spain by Lladro' mark on the unglazed underside of the base.

I have virtually examined this NAO by Lladro figurine, titled 'How Pretty' (Model #1110), sculpted by Vicente Martínez. Based on my visual inspection, the item appears to be in excellent condition, showing no signs of chips, repairs, or the 'crazing' often found in lesser porcelain. The high-gloss glaze is uniform, and the pastel application to the hair ribbon and facial features is consistent with the standards of the Lladro workshops in Valencia. While NAO is the more accessible mark under the Lladro umbrella, it maintains a loyal collector base for its emotive, minimalist aesthetic. The secondary market for 1980s/90s NAO figures is currently saturated; they are considered mass-produced collectibles rather than rare investment pieces. Similar 'Girl with Gown' figures frequently sell within the $40 to $70 range at auction and through private estate sales. The absence of the original box slightly tempers the top-end value. Limitations of this appraisal: Authenticity is presumed based on the quality of the modeling and glaze; however, a definitive authentication would require a physical inspection of the stamped 'NAO' mark on the base to ensure it is not a 'second.' I would also need to use high-intensity transverse lighting to check for professional restorations that are invisible to the naked eye or in photographs. This valuation represents a retail replacement value for a single item in the current marketplace.