Handmade Russian Figurine - Man with Baskets and Fish Gzhel Shekma - Handmade in Russia This charming blue and white porcelain figurine features a heavily clothed Russian man carrying two baskets, one of which has a smiling fish staring up at him This figurine is handmade and comes from Gzhel which is a picturesque area 60 kilometers SE of Moscow. Gzhel is known as one of the oldest and largest centers of china production in Russia. Archaeoligicsts have found pottery there going all the way back to the 14th century. These blue and white porcelain figurines have been produced there since the 19th century. I wasn't able to find out what Shekma means but it might be a particular pottery company in Gzhel. The figurine is in excellent condition, probably made in the 1970s or 80s. It has no chips, cracks or crazing and the colors are vivid and shiny. It stands 5 inches tall and 4 inches at the widest point. A great addition to any international pottery collection or give it to a friend as a unique handmade Russian figurine. Buy it today while it lasts! The House of Alexie (www.stores.ebay.com/Alexie-Apparel) is a dependable vendor with a 100% satisfaction rating. Please come see our many other fascinating products, both new and old.