A Soviet Porcelain Figure of Pisces (February), Lomonosov State Porcelain Manufactory, Leningrad, 1928

depicting a young fisherman in a cap, his fishing line draped over his shoulder and his catch, apparently a large and brightly colored sturgeon, held with one hand

Skinner, Boston, August 25, 1995, lot 495.

overall good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This figure is from Kuznetsov's uncompleted series known as "Signs of the Zodiac" or "Months of the Year" begun in 1916. The figure of Pisces / February was completed and issued in 1918. Kuznetsov lived long enough to complete only the first six of the twelve months, but his reinterpretation of a traditional theme of 18th-century porcelain sculpture in more modern and identifiably Russian forms was awarded a Gold Medal at the 1925 Exposition internationale in Paris. Although the figure continued to be manufactured into the 1930s, only few extant copies are known. Most editions are now in museums and it appears only rarely on the market. For similar models, see T.N. Nosovich and I.P. Popova, Gosudarstvennyi farforovyi zavod, 1904-1944, St. Petersburg, 2005, p. 314 and T. Kudryavtseva, Circling the Square, St. Petersburg, 2004, pp.104-105.