Rare porcelain figurines of the USSR (photo)

Probably, each house houses one or another thing, reminiscent of Soviet times. These kind of artifacts were once part of the life of our grandparents, our parents and in general all those who had already lived under Soviet rule. Among the most common gizmos can be allocated Soviet rubles and coins, badges and medals, posters, toys, cutlery, porcelain figurines of the USSR and much more.

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics has not existed for almost a quarter of a century, so it is not surprising that the interest of collectors in the things of this period is growing. Porcelain figurines from the times of the USSR are very popular among connoisseurs of antiques.

The appearance of porcelain in Russia

The art of creating porcelain sculptures appeared in China, and later spread to Europe. In Russia, the fashion for porcelain was introduced by Peter I, but under his rule porcelain products were imported only from abroad and cost fabulously expensive. The first Russian porcelain learned to do in the middle of the XVIII century, but the products from it still remained a luxury item and a status indicator.

With the advent of Soviet power , porcelain products were first branded "philistinism". But over time, the story line was changed, mass production was established - and porcelain products became available to all Soviet citizens.

Motifs and plots of porcelain artifacts

Porcelain statuettes of the USSR reflect the ideals of that era. The statues on sports were very popular, because sports and a healthy lifestyle were actively promoted in the Soviet society.

On the shelves of Soviet apartments it was possible to meet the figures of children, for example, a pioneer with a bouquet. Such a figurine speaks for itself.

Delicate porcelain figurines of the USSR, reflecting the admiration for art and love for it, are sculptural compositions of ballerinas. Broadcasts of ballet productions of that time were collected from the screens of enthusiastic spectators, and the ballet itself was considered a state pride. That's why the Soviet ladies wanted to have a piece of great art at home.

A special place in the fine arts was played by folk motifs, stories from fairy tales. Animals and birds were also imprinted by masters in china.

Manufacturers

The history of the development of porcelain business in Russia is inextricably linked with the history of the existence of manufacturing plants, many of which were created long before the arrival of Soviet power. The history of these enterprises is unique, because they survived wars, coups, a change of power, but to this day continue their work.

Gzhel Porcelain Factory, founded near Moscow in 1818, is still functioning today. His business card is a special technique for painting products, in which shades of blue are used.

The porcelain factory in Verbilki, Moscow region, was founded in the late 18th century. In Soviet times , it produced mainly porcelain figurines of the USSR with agitational character.

The leader of the Soviet era was the Dulev Porcelain Factory, founded in 1832, with its unique style of "agashka", which absorbed national traditions and national motives.

The very first porcelain factory, which appeared in Russia as far back as 1744, whose products are still in great demand - the Leningrad Porcelain Factory. Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Authorities and popularity enjoyed products from the porcelain of Ukrainian factories in Baranovka, Gorodnitsa, Korosten, Poltava, and others.

Famous artists

Before the figurine is sent to mass production, the master works on its creation for long hours. History has preserved the names of sculptors, who for many years have created famous and recognizable porcelain figurines of the USSR.

At the Dulevo porcelain factory, Asta Davydovna Březicka worked. Its master, which she called "Porcelain folk", the master created in the postwar period. The hands of this amazing woman were created more than five hundred sculptures, among them children, animals, heroes of fairy tales, historical figures, heroes of literary works. All the works of the author are very dynamic, positive, filled with joy. Among the most famous masterpieces of Asta Davydovna, you can name the sculptures "Winter bathing", "Indian with a jug", "Three Musketeers", "Tartuffe" and others. The works of the famous artist can boast the Hermitage, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Vrubel Museum in Omsk and other major museums in the world, many of the works are kept in private collections.

Another outstanding sculptor of the time - Boris Yakovlevich Vorobyov - worked at the Leningrad Porcelain Factory. His favorite theme in the work has always been animal art, which is clearly visible in figures created on the basis of Krylov fables. During his time, Boris Yakovlevich also created a series of sculptures based on works by N.V. Gogol. The author's works are kept in large museums of the world.

Rare porcelain figurines of the USSR

Especially valuable for collectors are porcelain figurines of the USSR (photo can be seen below), created in the pre-war period. It was at this time that art came to the masses, it was addressed to the people, and not to individual connoisseurs.

Products from porcelain of that period are united in a group called "Agitation porcelain", because they were called to perform certain tasks. First, to decorate the life of Soviet citizens, and secondly, to strengthen in the minds of people a new Soviet ideology. Agitational figurines depicted the participants of the revolution: "Red Guard", "Partisan on a campaign", "Sailor with a flower", "Sailor with a banner", "Worker embroidering a banner", etc.

Now porcelain figurines of that period are of great value. Their cost starts from $ 1500, while figures of the post-war period can be purchased from 5 thousand rubles.

Counterfeits

Like any other valuable antiques, porcelain figurines of the USSR are often forged. A beginner in this field is difficult to distinguish the original from the copy.

Each plant has its own brand, which, it would seem, should serve as a guarantor of quality. But not everything is so simple, because in the process of production, the original figures did not always receive the stamp in the proper form. The stamp could not easily adhere to the surface, be exposed to wear, paint may have occurred - the technologies of that time were far from perfect. Samples of the stamps of some plants underwent numerous changes, for example, the brand of LFZ was modified 70 times! Do not forget that over time, the brand could simply be erased, so statues without it do not need to be immediately classified as fakes.

To guard should obviously bad quality of the product, the understated price, small size of the figure. The best option when buying such products is consulting a specialist, because for the correct evaluation of a porcelain product you need to know the features of the style, the combination of colors characteristic for a certain plant or even a specific master.