Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Collecting sculptures of various sizes, shapes, and colours crafted with the utmost attention to detail can be a rewarding hobby. With each new piece, your collection can become an ever-growing reflection of culture and creativity, serving as a constant reminder of the artistic and creative legacy we share with generations past.
Each piece has its own distinct characteristics, as they reflect the age-old craftsmanship and stories behind them. This is especially true for delightful and impressive Sargadelos figurines, which carry with them the unique culture of Galicia and its long traditions of crafting exquisite porcelain pieces.
Overview of the Sargadelos Brand
Founded in 1806, when Antonio Raimundo Ibáñez began potting in Sargadelos, Galicia, the brand has been renowned for its commitment to crafting beautiful pieces of porcelain art.
By combining a timeless tradition of craftsmanship with modern, contemporary designs, Sargadelos has provided a platform for its talented sculptors to create exquisite figurines that are artistically unique and timelessly beloved.
He inaugurated the initial factory in the same year, and over a hundred years later, the company remains dedicated to producing pieces rich in cultural heritage. His son, Josè Ibáñez, continued the legacy by refining the production process and being the first to implement mechanisation and open up the market to a broader audience.
He equipped the factory and showroom with modern machinery and equipment to produce high-quality pieces. With over 25 furnaces, the company was able to develop and manufacture pieces of all sizes and shapes, with greater precision and detail
As time went on, the company continued to expand its operations into both large and small-scale markets. With consistent innovations such as the first trials of stamping and electroplating back in the 1960s, combined with carefully chosen materials such as porcelain and clay, the brand has become synonymous with quality and excellence.
Today, the company remains in the hands of the original family and continues to produce exquisite figurines with traditional techniques and modern materials. With two production plants and over 150 employees working together to create art, the Sargadelos factory remains an important landmark in Galicia and a symbol of its rich culture.
Unique Characteristics and Features of Sargadelos Figurines
As with any work of art, the Sargadelos figurines display a unique combination of creativity, precision, and skilled craftsmanship that can be appreciated in each piece. These unique characteristics and features include:
Representation of Galician Culture and Folklore
The figurines produced by Sargadelos are an artistic representation of the culture and folklore of Galicia. From characters inspired by traditional stories to animals native to the region, each piece is crafted with a unique story in mind.
This storytelling aspect of the pieces combines the traditional aesthetic of this culture with modern, contemporary designs.
Galician customs and traditions are based on rural life, and the figurines produced by Sargadelos reflect that.
The rich cultural heritage of Galicia is represented in the figurines, which feature various scenes from folklore and mythology, including fairies, warriors, kings, and fishermen. Their stories and creative interpretations provide a unique way of connecting with this culture.
Handcrafted and Meticulously Designed Pieces
The artisans at the Sargadelos factory take great care in crafting each piece. Every figurine is handcrafted with intricate detail and precision, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike.
Each team member is actively involved in the process, from hand-making the moulds to inspecting and painting each piece. The artists also take great care to preserve traditional Galician techniques while creating new pieces that are both timeless and modern.
Made From High-Quality Porcelain
The Sargadelos figurines are made with high-quality porcelain, which is fired at very high temperatures for durability.
This ensures that each piece is unique and long-lasting, allowing collectors to enjoy them for years to come. The material is incredibly strong and resistant to scratches and chips, which inherently preserves the quality of the piece.
Fired at High Temperatures for Durability
Once the selection of materials is complete, the pieces are then fired at very high temperatures. This process allows for increased durability and strength, making it ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor settings. By firing the pieces at such high temperatures, each figurine can withstand extreme weather conditions and remain beautiful over time.
This involves two firings: an initial firing followed by a glaze firing. After the final firing, each piece is inspected and sorted according to its quality. This process ensures that the pieces produced are reliable and of the highest standard, all while preserving their unique and timeless designs.
Wide Variety of Themes
The rich and diverse culture of Galicia provides a wealth of themes and stories for the figurines to explore. These include animals, humans, mythological figures and more. Each piece is carefully crafted with intricate details that capture the essence of these characters and stories. Whether you’re looking for an animal or human figurine, Sargadelos has something for every collector.
Their immense variety in style and theme also ensures that collectors can find a piece to suit any taste. From the traditional to the modern, they’re accurate depictions of Galician culture and folklore that can be enjoyed by all, regardless of their background or experience.
Tips for Maintaining and Preserving Figurines
While browsing through the Sargadelos online shop and selecting the most suitable figurines for your collection is the first step, it is important to ensure that they are kept in the best condition possible. Even if the pieces are made from high-quality materials, you need to pay attention to their maintenance and preservation.
For starters, the figurines should be cleaned regularly with a soft cloth. This removes any dirt or dust that may have settled on the pieces during their time in storage. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents and instead, use a mild soap with warm water to gently clean each piece.
It is also crucial to keep them away from direct sunlight to protect them from fading or discoloration. If possible, store the figurines in a display cabinet or case where they can be admired without being exposed to the sun’s rays. If you have a dedicated place for your figurines, make sure to dust and clean them at least once a month.
