A Soviet Porcelain Tea Service: The Defense (Tachanka) Service, Sergei Efremovich Sazonov (1870-1944), Dmitrovsk, 1936

comprising a Teapot with Lid, covered Sugar Bowl, Creamer, and a Cup and Saucer, all brightly painted with battle scenes from the Russian Civil War in reserves, the remainder of the body painted deep red and gilded

overall good condition; the teacup with a slight crack
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.

The tachanka was a horse-driven cart on which was mounted a machine gun that was used extensively during the Civil War, particularly in Ukraine and the southern regions of the USSR. Dmitrovsk was the former Gardner Porcelain Manufactory and still one of the centers of highly-skilled porcelain production in Russia. The combination of laborious hand painting and gilding on these delicate shapes make it clear that this service was intended for the Soviet elite who might recall their daring exploits in the Civil War from the vantage point of the drawing or dining room two decades later. On this service, see L. Andreeva, Sovetskii farfor: the Sandretti Collection of 20th Century Russian Art, Trento and Rovereto, 2004, p. 91, no. 157 and E. Sametskaia, Sovetskii agitatsionnyi farfor, Moscow, 2004, pp. 284-286.