the 'Krokus' form designed by Nikolai Suetin, the portrait painted by Elena Kubarskaia, stamped dark green factory mark, inscribed in Cyrillic 'E. Kubarskaya' and titled 'I.V. Michurin' in black overglaze, dated 1935

Pushkin Museum, no. 157

Oda k Radosti/Ode to Joy, p. 397, cat. no. 325; for comparison, see Khudozhestvennyi farfor: katalog, Leningrad, 1938, p. 10; and K. Kaneko and K. Nitta, Russian Avant-Garde Ceramic Art, Tokyo, 2003, p. 39.

overall very good condition; the ciselé gilding in excellent condition; one small area of rubbing near bottom right of Michurin's portrait.
"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 vase commemorates the death of popular botanist and evolutionary theorist, Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin (1855-1935), who conducted a number of experiments in his private garden in the Tambov district which helped to introduce over 300 new varieties of fruit plant to Russia.  Many of his hybridizations allowed southern varieties of fruits to be successfully grown in northern climates, demonstrating his statement that 'We cannot wait for favours from Nature. To take it from her -- that is our task.'

Michurin was hailed by the government for his efforts in relieving the agricultural crisis that faced Russia in the 1930s; he was awarded the Order of Lenin and the Order of the Red Banner of L🧜abour, and was named Academician of the V.I. Lenin All-Union Academy of Agri🗹culture.