Bidspirit auction | Vase “Tulip on a Branch”.

Vase “Tulip on a Branch”. Kasli Cast Iron Foundry, USSR, 1979. - Cast iron. Marks: Kasli / 1979 within a rectangular cartouche. Height: 9 cm. This small decorative vessel is modeled in the form of an open tulip blossom set upon a sculpturally rendered branch with leaves. The petals are finely detailed with delicate veining, emphasizing the naturalistic character of the design and the meticulous finish traditionally associated with Kasli cast iron work. The composition combines the functional form of a miniature vase with ornamental botanical motifs closely related to the aesthetics of nineteenth-century Historicism. Kasli artistic cast iron is among the most celebrated traditions of Ural decorative art. During the nineteenth century, the Kasli Foundry gained international recognition for its cabinet sculpture, intricate decorative objects, vases, and ornamental castings. Drawing inspiration from European artistic models, Kasli craftsmen developed a distinctive aesthetic language that combined technical virtuosity with sculptural refinement. During the Soviet period, many of the factory’s most successful historical models continued to be produced as part of its established repertoire. This example, cast in 1979, represents a late Soviet edition of a pre-revolutionary design, preserving the artistic traditions and craftsmanship that made Kasli cast iron internationally renowned. Compact in scale yet rich in decorative detail, the vase exemplifies the enduring appeal of Kasli iron casting, where utilitarian function and sculptural beauty are seamlessly united.