Lot 409
  • 409

Lady Afraid of a Dog: A Soviet porcelain figure, Lomonosov Porcelain Factory, Leningrad, circa 1932

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • porcelain
  • height 19.2cm, 7 5/8 in.
after the 1927 model by Natalia Danko, inscribed in Russian 'Coward', with impressed factory mark and IK (Cyrillic) for modeller Ilia Kuznetsov

Condition

Excellent 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

The figure of the 'Coward' is most likely a caricature of the people of the NEP period. The New Economic Policy was a temporary introduction of more market-oriented economic approaches, aimed to support the country after the Russian Civil War of 1918-1922. This brief period of relative economic prosperity allowed the country to get a glimpse of the excess and glamour of the roaring twenties. Such a 'capitalistic' lifestyle was not in line with Party policies, and the NEP was swiftly abolished by Joseph Stalin in 1928.

For further information, please see T. Nosovich, I. Popova, Gosudarstvenniy Farforoviy Zavod, St Petersburg, 2005, p. 530 and V. Levshenkov, Tvorchestvo Sester Danko, St Petersburg, 2012, p. 243.