The renowned Spanish handcrafted porcelain brand Lladró has released a unique limited-edition miniature sculpture of a Karabakh horse. Meticulously crafted in honour of one of Azerbaijan’s national symbols, the figurine was unveiled exclusively at an event at the Palace of the Shirvanshahs in Baku.
The sculpture’s development and the implementation of the project were supported by Baku White City.
The skilled artisans of the celebrated Spanish manufacturer painstakingly refined the smallest details of the sculptural composition under the guidance of Yashar Aliguseyn oglu Guluzade, a renowned Karabakh horse specialist who has devoted more than a quarter of a century to breeding these magnificent horses.
According to an ancient Azerbaijani tradition, a Karabakh carpet with traditional patterns is placed on the horse’s back beneath the saddle. The saddle rug, known as a “Çul” in Azerbaijani, features an artistic composition comprising three main elements. Its central medallion is decorated with an S-shaped pattern known as “Bulud” (“Cloud”), frequently found in Malıbəyli carpets of the Karabakh carpet group. In the lower left corner of the Çul is a diagonally intersected cross-shaped element known as “Çarx”, characteristic of the Salyan carpet of the Shirvan carpet group. The pattern in the lower right corner is a motif derived from animal imagery, known as “Böcək”. The authentic ornamentation and its classic colour combinations were recreated for Lladró’s miniature sculpture through dedicated cultural and ethnographic research and the study of rare archival materials. Azerkhalcha’s knowledge and expertise played a key role in accurately reconstructing the authentic patterns.
The golden saddle is adorned with delicate hand engraving in an intricate floral pattern. A dark brown glaze with a copper hue was chosen to capture the natural bay colouring of Karabakh horses. The bit and stirrups are made of gold-plated brass, while the reins are crafted from genuine leather.
The figurine is produced in a limited edition of 750 pieces, each individually numbered. Following its world premiere in Baku, the Karabakh horse will be presented in other regions where Lladró operates.
Special thanks go to Baku White City for its involvement in preparing the project and its attention to detail.
This is the second project supported by Baku White City dedicated to promoting Karabakh horses.
Gallery
