The end of November heralds the start of Russian Art Week in London, a biannual programme of auctions and events catering to those with an interest in the field.
Bonhams’ dedicated sale on November 29 in New Bond Street will include this early Soviet porcelain tea service. Decorated with industrial cranes, ladders, chains and ropes in lapis blue, black and gold, it was reputedly gifted from the Soviet Government to a group of German trade union officials during their visit to the USSR.
It was made by the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory, Leningrad, in 1931 to designs by Sergei Chekhonin (1878-1936) and LV Protopopova (1906-81). The set comprises a large 8in (20cm) lidded teapot, a creamer, sugar bowl, two pairs of cups and saucers, and a round tray.
It has been consigned from a private collection in New York, and is estimated at £40,000-60,000.
