Since 2001 the Riga Porcelain Museum has been the main keeper of Riga’s porcelain heritage. Its collection and exposition consists of crockery, figurines and original artworks from the second half of the 19th century, when Kuznetsovs’ and Jessens’ factories were opened in Riga, until today. The wares produced in the Riga Porcelain Factory after World War II has a particular place in the museum’s collection. The figurines are its most charming part and the subject of the first comprehensive publication of the museum, the book “Riga Porcelain. Figurines. 1950s – 1990s”.

The book presents museum’s scientific work, introducing the readers with the specific features of the porcelain figurine genre, its historic development and traditions in Latvia. Along with the biographies of ten essential artists of the porcelain factories of Riga and colourful illustrations of their best works, key information is provided on more than 350 porcelain works in the museum’s collection, showcasing the wide range of the porcelain figurines produced in Riga: animals, maidens and youths in folk costumes, bookends, spice jars, souvenirs and other decorative objects. Their diversity is evidence to changing taste and styles over the 20th century and the creativity and proficiency of our artists.

The information in the book is presented in Latvian, Russian and English making this part of the Latvian cultural heritage accessible also to the foreign language speakers. The scientific editor of the book is Zanda Zībiņa, designer– Alise Landsberga, photographer– Didzis Grodzs. The publication was supported by Riga City Council, Latvian Ministry of Culture, the State Culture Capital Foundation and Arctic Paper.

The book “Riga Porcelain.Figurines.1950s – 1990s” can be purchased in the Riga Porcelain Museum (Kalēju iela 9/11, Konventa sēta).

Image: On the book cover – “Dandelion” by Aina Mellupe. 1968. Riga Porcelain and Faience Factory. Photo by Didzis Grodzs.