NAO is a porcelain figurine brand made in Valencia, Spain, since 1968 and part of the Lladró group. Each piece is assembled and painted by hand by Valencian artisans, and it arrives gift-boxed. NAO focuses on tender everyday moments: young girls and women, ballerinas, couples, mothers and children, animals and religious figures.

Both come from the same Valencian porcelain tradition and the same group. Lladró is the flagship brand, known for highly elaborate pieces at a premium price. NAO uses simpler, softer designs with a gentle palette, which keeps it at a more accessible price without cutting corners on the handwork. Many collectors own both: NAO is often where a collection starts, and its quieter style suits a home where a piece will be lived with every day.

Yes. NAO figurines are porcelain, shaped from separate moulded pieces that are joined by hand, painted, glazed and kiln-fired. Small variations in painting between two copies of the same figurine are normal and a sign of handwork rather than a fault.

Crawford & Bond is an authorised UK stockist, and our full range is in the NAO by Lladró collection. Buying from an authorised retailer means a genuine, boxed piece and someone to contact if anything arrives damaged.

Pick a theme you love rather than trying to collect everything. Ballerinas are the most popular, with pieces such as Dreamy Ballet and In Dance Class. Others collect couples, such as First Love, animals, such as In Harmony, or girls and children, such as Cosy Dreams. A theme gives the collection a story and makes it easier for family to buy for you.

A retired figurine has been taken out of production, so no new copies are made. Once retailer stock runs out, the only way to find one is on the secondary market. Many of our NAO listings are single pieces for this reason, so if a retired design matters to you, it is worth buying when you see it.

Some do, many do not, and nobody can promise either. Retired designs in perfect condition with their original box are the most sought after, but demand depends on the subject and on fashion. Our honest advice is to buy pieces you love looking at. If one becomes valuable, that is a bonus; if not, you still own something beautiful.

Check the base for the NAO backstamp, which shows the NAO name and states that the piece was made in Spain. Match the figurine to its reference number, which on our listings appears as the MPN, for example 02001456. A genuine boxed piece will have the same reference on the box. Finally, look at the quality: clean joins, crisp painting and an even glaze. If a price looks far too good, ask the seller for photos of the base and box before buying.

Yes. The box confirms the reference number, protects the piece in storage and when moving house, and adds appeal if you ever sell. Keep it flat-packed or nested somewhere dry rather than throwing it away.

Dust regularly with a soft, dry make-up or paint brush, which reaches into folds without snagging delicate details. For a deeper clean, wash gently in lukewarm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid, rinse, and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Never use a dishwasher, abrasive cleaners or very hot water, and avoid sudden temperature changes.

A glass-fronted cabinet keeps dust off and protects against knocks, and soft lighting brings out the glaze. Keep pieces back from shelf edges and away from doors that slam. Group figurines by theme or colour rather than lining them up in a row; a small cluster at different heights looks far more considered.

Often, yes. A professional ceramics restorer can repair chips and breaks so they are hard to spot. Avoid household glue, which is difficult to remove and can make a proper restoration harder. If a piece from us arrives damaged, contact us straight away under our returns policy.

Match the subject to the moment. Couples suit weddings, anniversaries and Valentine's Day. Ballerinas suit dancers, ballet lovers and young girls marking a milestone. Mother and child or religious pieces, such as Holy Mary White, suit christenings, communions and Mother's Day. Animals such as Hen With Chicks suit a country kitchen or a pet lover. Every piece arrives in its NAO gift box.

Very much so, especially if you know their theme. If you are unsure what they already own, send us a photo of their shelf and we will suggest pieces that fit. You will find more ideas in our gifts for collectors.