Vintage Gzhel Majolica Mantel Clock Russian Folk Art Hand Painted Church Petrov For Sale

A rare hand-painted Gzhel majolica mantel clock, crowned with a sculpted Russian village of an onion-domed church and cottages. This is Gzhel's multicolor majolica line, not the familiar blue-and-white Gzhel porcelain, and it is seldom seen in the US.

The back is signed under the glaze in Cyrillic: "авт. Петров В.А. исп. Нечаева А.Ю." This translates to "Author (designer) V.A. Petrov, executed (painted) by A.Yu. Nechaeva." V.A. Petrov was a leading figure in the revival of Gzhel majolica and headed the creative work of the Troshkovo majolica workshop of the Gzhel Production Association near Moscow. A.Yu. Nechaeva was a painter in the same workshop. Crediting both designer and painter was standard Gzhel practice. There is no factory stamp; the attribution is based on the artists' signatures and the workshop's documented style. Made circa 1985 to 1998.

The case is red earthenware under a white tin glaze, hand-painted in cobalt blue, aqua, ochre, and green, with tulip and pomegranate florals, a blue lattice field, and scalloped borders. The dial has Roman numerals and an orange hand-painted chapter ring.

Measurements: approximately 15" tall x 9.5" wide x 6.25" deep. Weight: approximately 5 lbs.

Movement: battery-operated quartz, accessed through the open base. The clock ticks and the hands advance. We have not tested it for timekeeping accuracy. The battery will be removed for shipping.

Condition: good vintage condition with honest flaws. There is a small glaze flake (about 1/4") on the front edge of the lower base ledge; please see the close-up photo. There is fine glaze crazing on the unpainted back of the church, which is normal for majolica, along with light surface grime in recesses and normal wear to the unglazed foot rim. We see no cracks or repairs. The clock is freestanding, and no separate stand is included. Please review all photos, as they are part of the description.

A distinctive piece for collectors of Russian folk ceramics, and a charming focal point for a mantel, bookshelf, or kitchen with old-world character.

Shipping: professionally double-boxed with generous cushioning, shipped via UPS Ground with tracking. Shipping is calculated by your location. Local pickup in Morristown, NJ is also available.

***All proceeds go to benefit the Market Street Mission in Morristown, NJ to provide Meals, Shelter and our Addiction Recovery Program

Brand: Gzhel

Type: Mantel Clock / Shelf Clock

Artist: V.A. Petrov (designer); A.Yu. Nechaeva (painter)

Material: Majolica (tin-glazed red earthenware)

Power Source: Battery (Quartz)

Display: Analog

Numerals: Roman

Size: approx. 14" H x 9.5" W x 6.25" D

Item Weight: approx. 5 lbs

Color: White, Blue, Orange, Green, Aqua

Style: Folk Art, Russian, Cottage

Theme: Architecture, Church, Flowers

Pattern: Floral, Lattice

Decoration: Hand Painted

Production Technique: Hand Painted, Tin Glaze

Time Period Manufactured: 1980-1999

Country/Region of Manufacture: Russian Federation

Original/Reproduction: Original

Handmade: Yes

Vintage: Yes

Antique: No