Images of the Orient in Soviet Porcelain of the 1920s – 1940s: Politics and Aesthetics

In the article, the researcher revealed the specificity of images of the Orient interpretation in the Soviet porcelain of the 1920s – 1940s within the framework of the political propaganda theme. Porcelain artists responded to significant contemporary events related to the Orient. In addition, they created works on common to Soviet art topics such as work and leisure, motherhood and childhood, the emancipation of women accenting national features. In aesthetic terms, the interpretation of the “Oriental theme” was transformed within the framework of the general line of the Soviet porcelain style evolution: from the “imaginary East” pictures in the spirit of Orientalism to more realistic compositions. The international art deco style consistently manifesting itself in the porcelain sculpture of the 1920s and 1930s had particular importance to the Orient theme treatment.