Lomonosov Egyptian Cat

$59

Height = 15cm

Lomonosov Porcelain Egyptian Cat
The porcelain factory "Lomonosov" in St. Petersburg is 260 years old. It was established on the banks of the Neva River in 1744 by Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great. The local raw material from Gzhel (clay) and Olonets (quartz and alabaster) were used by the scientist, Dimitri Vinogradoff, who also introduced the concept of master craftsmanship to the newly-founded enterprise, whereby fine porcelain painters were schooled at the Academy of Fine Arts.

The factory supplied the needs of the Tsar's Court, and was a fairly small-scale operation, with product costing many times over what private factories produced. For a while the partnership between masters from the Academy of Arts and the factory flourished, but after 1820 the links were abruptly severed. In the early 19th century, the factory was built up and began making more complex porcelain pieces. In the early 20th century, the factory was given over to the war effort.

Lomonsov Porcelain is gaining favour and recognition now in Europe and America, and is becoming a sought after collector's item.