Rare porcelain elephant figurine by Elmars Rivoss for Kuznetsov, Riga, 1937

A rare porcelain elephant figurine by Elmars Rivos (Latvia, 1906-1957) for Kuznetsov, Riga, Latvia, 1937. Limited edition, created in honor of the 125th anniversary of Kuznetsov (1812-1937). Signed. Height: 19 cm. Length: 32 cm. The designer, Elmar Rivosh, was a Latvian Jew. In 1941, he was imprisoned in the Riga Ghetto, where his entire family perished. After their execution, he made a desperate attempt to escape from the ghetto, hid in various places, and returned to his profession at the end of the war.

The Kuznetsov company was founded in Russia in 1812. Over the years, it became a supplier to the royal household, expanded, and opened many branches throughout the Russian Empire. Only one factory was opened outside Latvia, in Riga, in 1843. After the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, the company closed and ceased its activities. Only the factory in Riga survived this tragedy and continued the glorious tradition, although, of course, in smaller quantities than before. In honor of the 125th anniversary, the company created a limited edition, especially of porcelain tableware and figurines.