3 June 2015 Russian Art Auctions
3 June 2015
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.
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.