Siberian Chipmunk. This little creature crouches attentively. It can be found from Central Russia to China, Korea and even northern Japan. Brought to Europe from South Korea, it is the only chipmunk found outside North America. Hand painted, Lomonosov porcelain. 3¼" x 1¾".
Two talented artists collaborated to produce many of the "Porcelain Zoo" animal sculptures. Porcelain painter Viktor Zhbanov and sculptor/modeler Pavel Veselov. The fruit of their cooperation produced unique figures that are natural and distinctive in their poses.
The Lomonosov Porcelain Factory (Ломоносовский фарфоровый завод) has had a long history, starting with its name. When founded in 1744, it carried the name Imperial Porcelain Factory (Императорский фарфоровый завод). In 1925, it became Lomonosov, named after the scientist and writer Mikhail Lomonosov (1711-1765). Finally, in 2005, it came full circle and was renamed the Imperial Porcelain Factory (or Manufactory), or IPM, for short.