LLADRO, the Spanish porcelain firm famous for its finely sculpted figurines of children, puppies and blushing young ladies in poses of contentment and joy, has become a firm favourite of collectors in Hong Kong.
Five years ago, 90 per cent of Lladro figurines sold in the territory were bought by tourists. Now, 40 per cent of the pieces are bought by local residents.
Alejo Rodriguez, general manager of Lladro, said he hoped that within two years the number of local buyers would jump to 50 per cent.
The company eventually aims to increase local sales to 70 per cent.
Most of the pieces sold by the main Lladro gallery in Alexandra House are bought by local collectors, who tend to purchase complete sets of the limited edition porcelain figurines.
It is not the Asian-style sculptures that appeal to Hong Kong collectors. Lladro outlets in the territory have found that pieces depicting Japanese or Chinese scenes are slow sellers.