Buying idols has turned into a costly venture, if the prices of Lladró’s figurines are anything to go by. The tiny idols, 47 cm in length, of Hindu deities Ram and Sita are being sold at a whopping Rs 3.6 lakh per pair.
Lladró, a Spanish luxury brand, has created figurines of Ram and Sita out of gloss porcelain, gilded brass and coloured enamels. Initially sculpted by Raul Rubio, one of Lladró’s sculptors and the main idea behind the figurines, they now have a specialist for each phase of moulding.
“We find Indian culture full of symbolism and created these pieces related to the customs of our clients as a way of paying homage to their goods and traditions,” says Nikhil Lamba, brand manager of Lladró India.
The small handcrafted statues apparently take a long time to make. The process starts with creating a detailed sketch, which then goes in for modelling. The clay models are then ornamented with special attention paid to Ram’s helmet and bow. After being varnished with liquid colours and varied enamels, the statues are ready for moulding.
When asked about the reason behind the high price tag of the statues, Nikhil explains, “The idols are personally made by Lladró’s Spanish sculptors out of classic gloss porcelain and have a highly complex decoration. Also, Ram’s bow is specially rendered in gilded brass. All these things raise the cost of the product.”
When asked about the reason behind the high price tag of the statues, Nikhil explains, “The idols are personally made by Lladró’s Spanish sculptors out of classic gloss porcelain and have a highly complex decoration. Also, Ram’s bow is specially rendered in gilded brass. All these things raise the cost of the product.”
Apart from Ram and Sita, the company has also created figurines of other Hindu deities that are available at all of Lladró’s outlets in the city.
The idols are available at Lladró Boutique, Atria Mall, Worli. Call 2481 3341.