MacDougall's Russian Art Auctions 25 March 2015

25 March 2015

Artist Index / Full Catalogue


A Porcelain Figurine of a Glasscutter

* 55.

A Porcelain Figurine of a Glasscutter


4,000—6,000 GBP


GARDNER MANUFACTORY, MOSCOW, 1830s
Height 19 cm.

with blue underglaze and incised manufactory mark and further numbered ‘N2/87’ in gold


The strikingly distinctive porcelain figurines in the collection offered here are from the series called “Russian Merchants and Craftsmen” and represent scenes from the everyday life of common folk in Russia in the first half of the 19th century. This series won instant recognition because the design concept echoed the popular earthenware figures of the 18th century and at the same time continued the Russian potters’ tradition of making popular toys. The porcelain “dolls”: the coachman, postman, cobbler, pancake seller, sower, spinstress, woman carrying water, woman picking berries and many others, are dressed in simple folk costume and portrayed with the attributes of their occupation. These little sculptures, which were keenly collected, served as a cheerful decoration in the places where people lived.


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.