Revolutionary ceramics. Soviet porcelain 1917-1927

The period following the Russian Revolution, from 1917 to the late 1920s, was one of breathtaking creativity amongst Soviet artists and designers, who strove enthusiastically to give expression to the ideals and aims of the new state. Many aspects of their work have been extensively published, especially the vivid and dynamic graphics used on posters, books and packaging. But another artistic phenomenon, although of equal importance, is barely documented outside the Soviet Union. A wealth of ‘agitprop’ ceramics – inspired designs on porcelain, often bearing messages promoting agitation or disseminating propaganda of the new age – still exist; they are now avidly studied by designers and sought by collectors around the world. Surprisingly, many of these fresh, vigorous designs were created on existing porcelain – especially a large stock of blanks from the Imperial Porcelain Factory near Leningrad which survived the events of 1917.