Riga Porcelain Elephant Figurine | 1950s

Overview

Vintage porcelain elephant figurine from the Riga Porcelain Factory, Latvia. The form dates to the 1930s, while the mark belongs to the 1950s.

The figure has a joyful, upward movement: raised trunk, forward step, lifted head and lightly curved tail. It is a small object, but the pose gives it a lively presence on a shelf, desk or cabinet.

Design

The elephant is made in glossy white porcelain with fine gold painted details. The gilding follows the ears, trunk, tusks, eyes, feet and small body accents. The modelling is soft and realistic, with rounded volume and gentle folds along the body.

There is a good balance between natural animal form and decorative porcelain style. The raised trunk gives the figure a festive character, often associated with luck, happiness and good wishes.

Historical Note

The piece was made at the Riga Porcelain Factory. Before the Soviet annexation of Latvia in 1940, this factory was known as the Kuznetsov porcelain works, one of the most important porcelain producers in the region.

This elephant appears to be connected with one of the late Kuznetsov period forms that continued in production after the factory was reorganised. The mark A.S. indicates the highest grade of Riga Factory porcelain.

Details

Maker: Riga Porcelain Factory

Earlier factory tradition: Kuznetsov, Riga

Country: Latvia

Period of form: 1930s

Mark: early 1950s

Material: porcelain

Colour: white with gold painted details

Marking: A.S., highest grade porcelain mark

Measurements

Length: 12 cm

Height: 9 cm

Condition

Very good vintage condition.

Minimal signs of age only.

For Collectors

A finely modelled Riga porcelain elephant with Kuznetsov factory heritage, early Soviet period marking and elegant gold detailing. The joyful pose makes it more expressive than many small porcelain animal figures of the same period.