Speech, or Woman Worker Giving a Speech, State Porcelain Manufactory, Petrograd, probably 1923

after a 1923 design by Natalia Danko, blue factory mark, incised 'N. Danko' (Cyrillic), dated 1923

Hillwood Museum, no. 17; Pushkin Museum, no. 27

Oda k Radosti/Ode to Joy, p. 100, cat. no. 60; for comparison, see Nosovich and Popova, p. 346 and N. Lobanov-Rostovsky, Revolutionary Ceramics: Soviet Porcelain 1917-1927, London, 1990. cat. no. 89, p. 93.

excellent condition; the underside of base with inherent firing flaws
"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."

This figure of a woman in a red head scarf, the symbol of a Bolshevik supporter or political activist, holds a copy of the Petrograd magazine Rabotnitsa i krestianka (Woman Worker and Woman Peasant), first published in 1922.  The magazine, one of only three produced specifically for women in Soviet Russia, contained basic introductions to Marxism in simple language intended for an audience new to politics.  It explained the advantages of the recently introduced family and work laws, promoted new organizations such as the Young Pioneers (see lots 471-474), and included advertising for public canteens and nurseries.