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https://www.collectrussia.com/DISPITEMWINDOW.HTM?item=39245
Item# 39245   $1,800.00  Add to cart   Show All Images   Download PDF
Kusa cast iron sculpture of competing horsemen, dated 1976.

Very large and massive. Stands 52 cm (20 ½") tall to the top of the gun. The gun is removable which shaves off 1 cm from the height. The base measures approx. 43 cm x 25.5 cm (17" x 10"). Weighs approx. 34 lbs. The year of manufacture, 1976, and the maker's mark КУСА (Kusa) are visible on the inside of the base (as well as in our photos). Also visible on the bottom of the base is the head of a large sturdy bolt which holds together the base and the top part of the sculpture.

This is a Kusa copy of the original 1870 sculpture of Eugene Lancere (Yevgeny Lance

Very large and massive. Stands 52 cm (20 ½") tall to the top of the gun. The gun is removable which shaves off 1 cm from the height. The base measures approx. 43 cm x 25.5 cm (17" x 10"). Weighs approx. 34 lbs. The year of manufacture, 1976, and the maker's mark КУСА (Kusa) are visible on the inside of the base (as well as in our photos). Also visible on the bottom of the base is the head of a large sturdy bolt which holds together the base and the top part of the sculpture.

This is a Kusa copy of the original 1870 sculpture of Eugene Lancere (Yevgeny Lanceray), an accomplished late 19th - early 20th century Russian sculptor, painter, mosaicist and illustrator, whose signature works in sculpture were equestrian pieces like this. This particular sculpture features two horsemen dressed in national Caucasian garments complete with daggers and armed with long guns, competing in traditional Caucasian sports, horsemanship and shooting. Another common interpretation of the fabula is that they are escaping an ambush. The title of the sculpture is "Dzhigitovka Lezgin" meaning "Lezgin Horsemanship". "Lezgin" refers to a small native Caucasian nation, historically inhabiting regions of South Dagestan and north-eastern Azerbajjan.

Of note is that the Soviet Encyclopedia shows the original sculpture with the gun missing from the hand of the standing rider. In our copy the gun is indeed present but not affixed to the hand and can be easily removed. In some Kasli copies of this sculpture the gun is made of a resin. This gun, however, is in cast iron and presents impressive realistic detail. This is only one example of the stunning level of detail present in this sculpture. From clearly identifiable sheep fur of the traditional hats of the riders to the well-preserved reins ("lines" in other terminology), together with the rings attaching them to the horses' bits, the artistry amazes.

/ Cast Iron Art, 1920 - 2009 by Aleksandr Zak , p. 222/

This sculpture was a gift presented by a group of people to a jubilar on his February 26, 1979 birthday, as evidenced by the gift inscription on the base.

In excellent condition. The few spots where the black coating is missing, some of them showing a little rust, are rendered completely inconsequential against the massive size of the sculpture and abundance of artistic detail.

Because of shape complexity and massive size and weight, special shipping rates will apply. You are welcome to inquire via email prior to placing the order online.

And finally, please note that the medal in honor of another very (in)famous Caucasus personality, Iosif Stalin, is in our photo ONLY for size reference.
$1,800.00  Add to cart