Vasily Kuznetsov – AntiqueRef

Born in 1881. Joined Imperial Porcelain Factory in 1914 as a head sculptor. The author of the very first propaganda porcelain figure of the Red Army Soldier modeled in 1918.

As leading experts on early Soviet propaganda porcelain, we provide free online appraisals and help with selling figures and figural groups produced by State Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg. Below is a gallery of models created by Kuznetsov. If you happen to own one of these and would like to find out its current market value, CONTACT US. We’ll be glad to assist.

Russian Soviet porcelain figure January (Water carrier) from Zodiac Signs series by Vasily Kuznetsov in 1918 — Figure “Water Carrier” (January)
“Водолей” (январь)

Russian Soviet porcelain figure March from Zodiac Signs series modeled by Vasily Kuznetsov — Figure “Shepard” (March)
“Пастух” (март)

Russian Soviet porcelain figure February (Fish) from Zodiac Signs series by Vasily Kuznetsov — Figure “Fish” (February) “Рыба” (февраль)

The series of 6 allegorical porcelain figures “Zodiac Signs” (or “Months of the year”) is considered to be Kuznetsov’s most important art work. He started designing these models in 1916. Unfortunately, the sculptor died very young in 1923 and did not get a chance to complete the set. These figures were awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition of 1925 and continued to be produced for export by State Porcelain Factory well into 1930s.

Russian Soviet porcelain figure April by Vasily Kuznetsov — Figure “Lumberjack” (April)
“Дровосек” (апрель)

Soviet Porcelain Figure "May" by Vasily Kuznetsov — Figural group “Twins” (May)
Косари / Близнецы (май)

Russian Soviet porcelain figural group June (Scorpion) from Zodiac Signs series by Vasily Kuznetsov — Figural Group “Scorpion” (June) “Кузнечик” (июнь)

Soviet porcelain figure of Red Army Soldier "Красногвардеец" with the rifle by Vasily Kuznetsov — Red Army Soldier
Красногвардеец

Russian Soviet porcelain figure "Lady with parrot" by Vasily Kuznetsov — Lady with parrot

Russian Soviet porcelain figure of Lady with Rose by Vasily Kuznetsov — Lady with rose

Russian Soviet porcelain figural group "Kumushki" by Vasily Kuznetsov — Кумушки

Russian Soviet porcelain figure of Ivanushka by Vasily Kuznetsov — Иванушка-Дурачок и Конёк-Горбунок