Galya and Levko [Kiev]

Galya and Levko. (Галя и Левко). From N.V. Gogol's novel May Night from 1831-32. (Н. В. Гоголь Майская ночь). Also an opera, circa 1880, by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov in 3 acts based on Gogol's novel. Porcelain design by Oksana Leontyevna Zhnikrup ( 1931-1993) and A.M. Kaluga. 

Mid-1990's blue factory mark (blue indicates 1st quality). Not for export. This is not the common Polonoye version of this subject but a scarce Kiev version. Excellent condition. 11¼" height. 1 only, as shown.

The Kiev Experimental Art Ceramics Factory was founded in 1924 on the basis of a small workshop, which manufactured ceramic paints and decals. After World War II the enterprise was expanded to manufacture decorative articles and eventually a large art workshop which became one of the best in the USSR. Design was by Vladislav Ivanovich Shcherbina.