Commemorative Porcelain Plate "Великий зодчий" (The Great Architect)

Lenin Portrait – 60th Anniversary of the October Revolution, 1977

Product Information

• Type: Porcelain One of a Kind Collectible Plate
• Theme: Portrait of Vladimir Lenin as the Revolutionary Leader
• Material & Technique:                                            Dimensions: 34 cm in diameter
  • Fine porcelain with hand-painted details, real gold accents, and traditional manual glazing (pozolota).
  • Manufactured at the Korosten Faience Factory, named after F.E. Dzerzhinsky (Ф.Э. Дзержинского).
• Special Note:
  • Such plates were produced as unique pieces for the highest levels of the Ukrainian SSR leadership, reflecting their exclusivity in Soviet decor.

Overview

English:
This commemorative porcelain plate is a distinguished example of Soviet decorative art, created to honor Vladimir Lenin's enduring legacy and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution (1917–1977). The plate’s design features a detailed, realistic portrait of Lenin in formal attire—depicted wearing a green suit and a purple tie—set against a carefully orchestrated background of symbolic imagery. The artwork is framed by decorative motifs that include golden sheaves of wheat, laurel leaves, and red ribbons, all of which underscore themes of prosperity, victory, and the unity of the working class. The plate’s reverse side carries inscriptions such as "Великий зодчий" (The Great Architect) and credits the author of the painting, A.V. Khitko, along with the detailed production information of the Korosten Factory. With its vibrant color palette and expert craftsmanship, this plate serves both as a functional decorative item and as a historical artifact reflecting the ideological priorities of its time.

Русский:
Эта фарфоровая коллекционная тарелка «Великий зодчий» является выдающимся примером советского декоративного искусства, созданного в честь наследия Владимира Ленина и 60-летия Октябрьской революции (1917–1977). Центральное место композиции занимает детально проработанный портрет Ленина в официальном облике: он изображён в зелёном костюме с пурпурным галстуком, что подчёркивает его решимость и дальновидность. По периметру тарелки расположены декоративные мотивы – позолоченные колосья пшеницы, лавровые листья и красные ленты, которые символизируют процветание, победу и единство трудящихся. С обратной стороны нанесены надписи «Великий зодчий», а также указание автора росписи (Хитько А.В.) и информацию о производстве на Коростенском фарфоровом заводе имени Ф.Э. Дзержинского. Яркая цветовая палитра и мастерство исполнения делают эту тарелку не только функциональным декоративным предметом, но и ценным историческим артефактом, отражающим идеологические приоритеты своего времени.

Visual Analysis

Central Portrait

• Depiction of Lenin:
  • The front side of the plate features a meticulously hand-painted portrait of Lenin. He is captured in a formal pose, wearing a green suit complemented by a purple tie.
  • His gaze is slightly turned to the side, reinforcing a sense of determination and forward vision.
• Artistic Style:
  • The portrait is rendered in a realistic style that emphasizes Lenin’s iconic bare head, goatee, and characteristic features.

Decorative Motifs

• Symbolic Imagery:
  • Golden sheaves of wheat evoke prosperity and the strength of the working class.
  • Laurel leaves and red ribbons serve as symbols of victory, honor, and the revolutionary spirit.
  • Red panels integrated into the design include illustrations such as a ship, a factory, the Kremlin, and a book marked "Конституция СССР 1977"—each element reinforcing themes of industrial progress and Soviet governance.
• Color Palette & Accents:
  • A harmonious blend of gold, red, green, and purple creates a vivid backdrop.
  • The plate is edged with a polished gold rim, while the base is finished in glossy red—adding both opulence and contrast to the overall design.

Inscriptions and Backside Markings

• Front Inscription:
  • The prominent inscription “1917–1977” commemorates the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution.
• Reverse Side Details:
  • Blue inscriptions read "Великий зодчий" (The Great Architect) and credit the artist "Автор Хитько А.В."
  • The production information states: "Фаянсовый з-д им. Ф.Э. Дзержинского, Коростень, УССР," confirming the plate’s origin and exclusivity.

Historical and Cultural Context

English:
Conceived during a period when Soviet art was interwoven with state propaganda, this plate was produced to celebrate Lenin as both the initiator of the October Revolution and the architect of the Soviet state. It reflects the Soviet commitment to monumental commemorative art that extolled values like unity, progress, and the triumph of socialism. Particularly, the inclusion of the 1977 Constitution and other industrial motifs reinforces Soviet ideals of governance and organized progress. As a limited-edition piece made for top leadership in the Ukrainian SSR, it stands as a testament to the prestige and reverence demanded by Lenin’s memory and the broader achievements of Communist ideology.

Русский:
Сотворённая в эпоху, когда советское искусство тесно переплеталось с государственной пропагандой, эта тарелка была создана для увековечения памяти Ленина как инициатора Октябрьской революции и зодчего советского государства. Изделие отражает стремление советской власти создавать монументальное памятное искусство, которое возвещало ценности единства, прогресса и торжества социализма. Особое внимание к Конституции СССР 1977 года и индустриальным символам подчёркивает идеалы советского управления и организованного движения вперёд. Выпущенная в ограниченном тираже для высшего руководства УССР, она является данью уважения к памяти Ленина и свидетельством высшего ранга коммунистической идеологии.

Condition and Craftsmanship

• State of Preservation:
  • The plate is in very good condition with its detailed artwork, gold accents, and inscriptions well-preserved.
  • There is minimal evidence of wear, aside from the natural aging process visible on the gold-painted elements.
• Craftsmanship:
  • Executed with high precision, the hand-painted portrait and complex decorative motifs are testament to the advanced artistic techniques employed by Soviet artisans.
  • The elegant combination of color, gold accents, and thematic symbolism elevates the plate to a prized collectible and historical treasure.

Conclusion

This commemorative porcelain plate is a remarkable piece of Soviet-era decorative art that honors Vladimir Lenin and the milestone of the October Revolution’s 60th anniversary. With its striking portrait, intricate symbolic motifs, and exquisite gold detailing, the plate reflects both the artistic finesse and ideological fervor of its time. Its excellent condition and limited-edition status—crafted specifically for high-ranking officials in the Ukrainian SSR—make it a valuable artifact for collectors and historians alike.

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Hashtags

English:

#LeninPlate #SovietCollectible #CommemorativeArt #PorcelainPlate #OctoberRevolution #SovietMemorabilia #HistoricalArtifact #LimitedEdition #SovietArt #CulturalHeritage

Русский (Хештеги):

#ТарелкаЛенина #СоветскийСувенир #ПамятноеИскусство #ФарфороваяТарелка #ОктябрьскаяРеволюция #СоветскиеСувениры #ИсторическийАртефакт #ОграниченныйТираж #СоветскоеИскусство #КультурноеНаследие