Small format (8 ¼" x 6"), 279 pp., Russian text, high-resolution color photo illustrations. Cloth-bound hardcover with a dust jacket and integral woven silk bookmark tape.

This is the first volume of a five-volume series about the myriads of porcelain figures that were manufactured in the former Soviet Union. Together, the five volumes comprise the most comprehensive reference on this topic ever written. Individually, Volumes One through Three focus on a select number of the most popular themes that repeatedly inspired Soviet artists from 1918 to 1991. The themes explored in Volume One are:

Folk Tales (В гостях у сказки)

Soviet Women (Женщины Советской страны)

Literature (Литература)

Sport (Спорт)

Happy Childhood / Preschoolers (Счастливое детство. Дошкольники)

Happy Childhood / School Years (Счастливое детство. Школьные годы чудесные)

Volume One also provides valuable information about collecting of Soviet porcelain. It lists all of the major manufacturers and when they were producing. It provides biographies of the most important Soviet porcelain artists (even to identifying those who are still active!), and it provides extensive bibliographies that account for any references in print to the artists covered. The pieces that are illustrated are identified by sculptor and manufacturer; not only are the pieces dated as to when they were created but if the version shown in the photo dates from a later time frame, it is also specified!

In excellent, near-mint condition! Apart from almost invisible stains to the dust jacket, the book is practically blemish-free.

Once again, this is a rare out-of-print comprehensive reference source, highly recommended for all porcelain collectors.