3 June 2015 Russian Art Auctions

3 June 2015

artist_index / full_catalogue


<br/>AFTER A 1913 MODEL BY PAVEL KAMENSKY, IMPERIAL
PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

205. A Rare Porcelain Figurine of a Peasant Girl from the Tula Gubernia with a Basket


AFTER A 1913 MODEL BY PAVEL KAMENSKY, IMPERIAL PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY, EARLY 20TH CENTURY



8,000-12,000 GBP


Height 37 cm.

Related literature: For similar works, see E. Khmelnitskaya, Farforovaya Rossiya P. P. Kamenskogo, Moscow, Lyubimaya Kniga, 2013, pp. 84–86.

Realistically modelled, wearing a traditional red and white chemise with a matching black patterned sarafan and holding a basket with her left hand.

The series “Peoples of Russia” by Pavel Kamensky was personally commissioned by Nicholas II from the Imperial Porcelain Factory in 1907 for the purpose of showing the cultural diversity of Imperial Russia. Kamensky, a well-known and established sculptor, collaborated with the Imperial Manufactory on this project for the following decade. One of the distinctive qualities of his work is the highly realistic representation of figures, achieved through consultation with leading ethnological specialists, studies and censuses.

In 1908 Pavel Kamenskiy presented a model of a Peasant Woman from the Tula Gubernia to the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory. To a large extent, this choice was justified by the importance of the socio-political and cultural role of the region. As a neighbour to the developed Moscow Gubernia and also in close proximity to Saint Petersburg, Tula was well connected with the centre of the Imperial life.

The figurine depicts a young married woman in festive dress. The traditional Tula ensemble is recognisable by its palette of red, white and black, the dense embroidery and its various patterns. As depicted on the model, the costume includes a household linen chemise with an embroidered collar and red stripes. The sleeves are decorated with lace ornaments, much favoured in Russia and the hem with golden gimp braid and beads, so symbolic of the Russian folk taste for bright and festive embellishment.

<br/>AFTER A 1913 MODEL BY PAVEL KAMENSKY, IMPERIAL
PORCELAIN MANUFACTORY, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Notes on symbols:
* Indicates 5% Import Duty Charge applies.
Ω Indicates 20% Import Duty Charge applies.
§ Indicates Artist's Resale Right applies.
† Indicates Standard VAT scheme applies, and the rate of 20% VAT will be charged on both hammer price and premium.