A Soviet porcelain reclining odalisque, Novgubfarfor, Volkhovo, 1924

after a design originally produced at the Miklashevskii Manufactory between 1838 and 1861, depicting a bejeweled odalisque in a turban reclining on pillows with her fan, with Cyrillic monogram NGF for Novgubfarfor and Volkhov dated 1924, also with signature M. Briantseva, all in black overglaze

Acquired by Ludmilla and Henry Shapiro in the USSR
Thence by descent

overall good condition, the base slightly curved, which is probably an inherent flaw from the time of firing
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.

On the Shapiros and their collection, see D. Sampson Shinn, Revolution, Life and Labor: Soviet Porcelains (1918-1985), New York, 1992.

In 1923, Sergei Chekhonin, former Artistic Director of the State Porcelain Manufactory, moved with a group of artists to work at a group of factories near Novgorod in order to improve mass-produced Soviet porcelain. Maria Briantseva (1883-1942), a porcelain painter who had worked with Chekhonin in Petrograd, joined the group in Novgorod between 1924 and 1926. She designed the painted decoration for Novgubfarfor's version of this figure; the popular design was also produced at the Lomonosov State Porcelain Manufactory in the 1920s. See E. Sametskaia, Sovetskii farfor 1920-1930-kh godov v chastnykh sobraniiakh Sankt-Peterburga, St. Petersburg, 2005, pp. 17, 262.