4 June 2014 Russian Art Auctions

4 June 2014

Artist Index / Full Catalogue


AFTER A DESIGN BY NIKOLAI SUETIN, EXECUTED BY VARVARA RUKAVISHNIKOVA, DATED 1930

* 594. A SOVIET PORCELAIN BROOCH "SUPREMATISM"

AFTER A DESIGN BY NIKOLAI SUETIN, EXECUTED BY VARVARA RUKAVISHNIKOVA, DATED 1930

1.5 by 4.5 cm.
6,000–8,000 GBP


Rectangular form, with black and red Suprematist composition, signed with artist’s monogram “VR” for Varvara Rukavishnikova and dated 1930, further inscribed “ris. Suetin N.M” in Cyrillic.

After the Revolution, Soviet porcelain production became an important propaganda weapon and from the 1920s, the medium of porcelain attracted attention as never before.The arrival of the Suprematists to the Lomonosov Manufactory brought new trends to agitation porcelain: the Revolution was now presented by abstract and geometrical figures in bold primary colors. The new approach often proved incongruous when used with existing porcelain forms and the search for new, more suitable forms began. The present Suprematist brooch, painted by Varvara Rukovishnikova after a design by Nikolai Suetin, is a rare example of this quest, as well as a fine representation of Suetin’s sense of composition and the achievement of a balanced relationship between practicality and avant-garde.

AFTER A DESIGN BY NIKOLAI SUETIN, EXECUTED BY VARVARA RUKAVISHNIKOVA, DATED 1930

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.