Majolica Beer Tankard [Gzhel]

Majolica Beer Tankard. Fish Handle and Cap. Designed by Vladimir Alexandrovich Petrov. An unusual folk art mug that is fully hand decorated and painted with images of woodland ducks on both sides. On the bottom of the piece are the signatures of the designer (автор) and the painter (исполнитель). "Hand made in Gzhel, Russia" on the bottom as well. Holds just over 3 cups (750 ml). 8" in height, made around 1993. 1 only, as shown.

Note: the designer, very well-known in Gzhel circles, is Vladimir Alexandrovich Petrov (Владимир Александрович Петров). His work was produced in the village of Fenino, situated about 20 miles east of Moscow. It is known as Gzhel's second center after Troshkino. Vladimir Alexadrovich is featured in the book on Gzhel below (pp. 161-169) and his photo can be found on p. 183.

Refer to the reference book Gzhel: Ceramics 18th-19th-20th Centuries. Moscow: Planeta, 1989. pp. 162, 171-72. More information on the book here.