Museum of Porcelain, Lacquer, and Painting in Plyos

Provincial Art Gallery – M

On the picturesque Nikolskaya Street in Plyos, you'll immediately notice the majestic building with an open gallery and five windows on the facade. This building, adorned with modern-style window frames and shutters, is home to the Museum of Porcelain, Lacquer, and Painting. The museum was founded in 2007 based on a private collection, but it found its current home in Plyos only in 2013, when its exhibition was moved to a small yet cozy stone-wooden house in Zarechye – one of the oldest and most picturesque parts of the town.

After reconstruction, the museum building was adapted to house a unique collection of porcelain from Russian and Ukrainian factories, as well as Western European porcelain in the "nude" style. The collection is complemented by a rich exhibition of Russian lacquers and works by the Honored Artist of the RSFSR, Vyacheslav Andreyevich Fedorov, whose works can also be found in the Tretyakov Gallery and the Russian Museum.

The museum exhibition is divided into several halls, each offering its own perspective on various aspects of art and crafts.

Russian Porcelain Hall

This hall features porcelain miniatures produced by major Russian factories from 1925 to 2000. Among the exhibits, you can see items from well-known factories such as the "Sysert Porcelain Factory," "Dmitrov Porcelain Factory," "Leningrad Porcelain Factory," "Pervomaisky Porcelain Factory," and others. Special attention is given to the works of sculptor Yuri Mikhailovich Lvov, whose creations reflect Soviet provincial life in miniature, distinguished by precision of form, observation, and gentle humor.

Ukrainian Porcelain Hall

This hall introduces visitors to the works of Ukrainian porcelain factories that defined the artistic face of Ukrainian porcelain from 1925 to 2000. Here, you can see items from factories such as the "Korosten Porcelain Factory," "Gorodnitsky Porcelain Factory," "Polonsky Artistic Ceramics Factory," "Baranovsky Porcelain Factory," and "Kiev Experimental Ceramic-Artistic Factory." The exhibition includes both mass-produced items and rare specimens, reflecting the diversity and evolution of Ukrainian porcelain.

Western European Porcelain Hall in the "Nude" Genre

This hall is dedicated to the works of Western European masters working in the "nude" genre. Here, you can see miniatures created at various factories in different countries, united by the common theme of the ancient Greek myth of "Leda and the Swan." The sculptures in the exhibition illustrate various stages of Zeus and Leda's love play, conveying the delicate plasticity and artistic interpretation of the myth.

20th Century Portrait Hall

This hall explores the development of the portrait genre in the 20th century. Here, you can see portraits created by renowned artists of the Ivanovo painting school. The exhibition reflects the spirit of the era, conveying images of people from various professions and social classes living in Soviet Russia. Special attention is given to portraits that reveal the characters and destinies of the heroes of their time.

Russian Lacquer Exhibition

The Russian Lacquer Exhibition is a collection of unique works from Fedoskino, Palekh, Mstyora, and Kholuy. These items are crafted using papier-mâché techniques and exemplify the high craftsmanship of Russian lacquer miniaturists. The collection spans from the inception of the craft to the 20th century.

Vyacheslav Fedorov Painting Gallery

The Vyacheslav Fedorov Painting Gallery, dedicated to the honored artist of the RSFSR, complements the museum's exhibition. Here, you can find the artist's works ranging from his early sketches of the 1950s to his last canvases created before his death. The exhibition features vibrant landscapes imbued with a love for Russian nature, as well as portraits and genre scenes executed in a realistic manner.

Russian Majolica

The section dedicated to Russian majolica presents works by Gzhel masters. These items, created in the second half of the 20th century, continue the traditions of Russian folk ceramics. Majolica is distinguished by its realism and inner strength, reflecting the unique color of the era.

Large-Scale Faience from the Konakovsky Factory

The exhibition includes works on themes of Russian fairy tales and folklore. These handmade items attract attention with their magnificent painting and artistic value. They are examples of the high level of craftsmanship achieved at the Konakovsky factory in the post-war years.

Russian Silver

The Russian silver exhibition features jewelry items covering the period from the late 19th century to the present day. Among the exhibits are author chess sets, icons in openwork frames, and other utilitarian items made by hand. Many of these items exist in a single copy, making the collection particularly valuable.

Leniniana

The section dedicated to Leniniana includes miniatures made from various metals, created between 1924 and 1995. These works represent mythologized artifacts dedicated to the image of V.I. Lenin. The exhibition features both sculptures and paintings, reflecting various stages of the formation of the cult of the leader of the world proletariat.