Russian Pitcher With Hunting Trophy Reliefs

A rare faience pitcher decorated with reliefs of hunting trophies—small game animals—and a handle in the form of a fox peering into the vessel. The design recalls the rustic wares of Bernard Palissy (ca. 1510–1589), the French Renaissance ceramicist celebrated for his naturalistic reliefs of plants and animals.

The Günther factory near St. Petersburg, founded by merchant Fyodor Khristoforovich Günther around 1818, produced a wide range of faience wares, some inspired by Wedgwood. Its pieces were noted for their durability, strong glazes, and ability to withstand heat. The factory remained active under members of the Günther family until the 1860s, after which production ceased.

See similar: A. Saltikov. Russian ceramics of 18-19 centuries. P. 258.