A group of four porcelain plates, Kornilov Manufactory, 1890-1917

each plate decorated with illustrations of Russian fairy tales after designs by Ivan Bilibin: Mar'ya Morevna, Vasilisa Prekrasnaya, Belaya Utochka and Skaz o Finiste Yasnom Sokole, all with inventory numbers and stamped in red Made in Russia / by Kornilov Bros. 

All plates in very good overall condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ivan Bilibin (1876-1942) was a popular Russian graphic artist and stage designer who drew inspirations from Russian folk and fairy tales. Bilibin thoroughly acquainted himself with this genre: he travelled extensively throughout Russia, especially in the North and studied Russian folk and decorative art. The watercolours from these trips were seen and admired by the Department for the Production of State Documents and Bilibin was commissioned to illustrate a series of books of fairy tales.

These books, including The Firebird and the Grey Wolf, The Frog Princess, The Feather of Finist the Falcon, Maria Morevna, The Little White Duck, and Vasilisa the Beautiful, propelled the young artist headlong into a career of illustration, set and costume design. The bright and rich tones of his drawings have always been highly rated and his designs were continuously repeated in different media in the proceeding decades.