Lladró's "Waiting Backstage" captures one of the manufactory's most beloved subjects—the graceful ballerina—rendered in the elongated, dreamlike proportions that have defined Spanish porcelain artistry since the 1960s. Sculptor Fulgencio García created this contemplative dancer in 1969, the same year Lladró opened its legendary City of Porcelain in Valencia, establishing the visual language that would make Lladró synonymous with elegant figural sculpture worldwide.
This listing includes:
- One (1) "Waiting Backstage" Ballerina Figurine #4559 - approximately 14.25" tall x 14" wide x 7.5" deep (36.2cm x 35.6cm x 19cm)
Condition: Excellent—no chips, cracks, or repairs. All glazed surfaces pristine with original factory luster intact. Delicate extremities (fingers, ballet slippers) undamaged.
Details:
- Collection: Lladró | Design: "Waiting Backstage" (#4559)
- Material: Spanish hard-paste porcelain with signature glossy crystalline glaze in soft blue and warm flesh tones
- Production Period: 1969-1993 (retired)
- Authentication: Blue Lladró backstamp reading "LLADRO HAND MADE IN SPAIN"
- Sculptor: Fulgencio García
- Rarity: Retired since 1993—no longer in production for over three decades
A coveted find for collectors of Spanish porcelain and ballet memorabilia alike, this substantial figurine showcases the technical mastery that earned Lladró international acclaim. The dancer's muscular yet graceful legs, individually sculpted fingers, and flowing pleated skirt demonstrate the brand's commitment to anatomical accuracy within their signature romantic aesthetic—details regularly highlighted in shelter publications as exemplary of fine porcelain craftsmanship.
Perfect for:
- Collectors building Spanish or European porcelain collections
- Ballet enthusiasts and dance memorabilia collectors
- Statement pieces for living rooms, libraries, or music rooms
- Ballet-themed nurseries and little girls' bedrooms
- Thoughtful gifts for dancers, dance teachers, or performing arts patrons
- Baby shower gifts for parents planning a ballet or dance-themed nursery
- Milestone birthday or retirement gifts for lifelong ballet lovers
- Mother's Day or grandmother gifts celebrating elegance and artistry
- Housewarming gifts for those who appreciate sculptural art
- Display alongside other figural porcelain from Lladró, NAO, or similar makers
Looks beautiful in:
- Living rooms on mantels, consoles, or display pedestals
- Nurseries and children's rooms with ballet or dance themes
- Music rooms or home studios
- Curio cabinets and lighted display cases
- Bedroom dressers or vanity areas
- Libraries and home offices
- Entry foyers as a welcoming statement piece
Complements Decor Styles:
- Grandmillennial and Collected Eclectic interiors
- Ballet and ballerina-themed nurseries
- Traditional European and Old Hollywood Glamour
- Romantic and French-inspired spaces
- Maximalist collectors' displays
The seated ballerina gazes downward in a moment of quiet anticipation before taking the stage, her soft blue tutu featuring an intricately pleated skirt and scroll-patterned bodice. The warm flesh tones of her elongated limbs contrast beautifully with the cool blue of her costume and pale grey stone seat, creating visual harmony characteristic of Lladró's masterful color palette. At over 14 inches in both height and width, this is among the larger ballerina figurines in the Lladró catalog—a commanding presence that rewards close examination.
History of Pattern and Brand: Introduced in 1969 by sculptor Fulgencio García, "Waiting Backstage" emerged during Lladró's golden era of expansion and innovation. That same year, the three Lladró brothers—Juan, José, and Vicente—opened their City of Porcelain complex in Tavernes Blanques outside Valencia, establishing the production facility that would employ over 2,000 artisans and cement their reputation for the finest Spanish porcelain. García was among the foundational sculptors who defined Lladró's signature style of elongated, emotive figures with flowing garments that seem to defy the limitations of fired porcelain.
Care Instructions:
- Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth or soft-bristled brush
- For deeper cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately
- Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or ammonia-based products
- Handle by the base rather than delicate extremities
- Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve glaze luster
- Store with soft padding if not on permanent display
Shipping:
- Museum-quality packaging with double-boxing, custom foam inserts, and full insurance included
- Each delicate area individually wrapped and protected
- Expedited shipping available upon request
- International buyers responsible for applicable customs duties and import fees