Alluding to the pre-revolutionary tradition of making a special work of precelain for the imperial family at Christmas, this series of Hermitage exhibitions and catalogues focuses on various aspects of production and design at Russia's oldest porcelain factory. The porcelain here incorporates one of the basic motifs of floral design - the representation of roses in painted and sculpted work with a remarkable variety of forms. The catalog contains fresh information on floral design masters active at the Imperial Factory, such as Ivan Tychagin, Vasilii Komarov, Vasilii Fedorov, and the Krasovskii dynasty. Published in the exhibition catalogue are pieces from the Hermitage's and Imperial Porcelain Factory's collection going back to the 1750s and some made by contemporary artists at the factory. Catalogue entries point out significant design advances, describe styles, and identify parallels with other arts (e.g., painting and sculpture) and regions (e.g., Western Europe); a name index and bibliography strengthen the scholarly apparatus. Summary written by John W. Emerich, Bronze Horseman Literary Agency.