11 ½" x 5 ¾" x 7 3/8" (30 x 15 x 19cm), massive and naturalistic rendition of a game bird prevalent throughout Northern Russia and perennially popular with Russian hunters. Its favored habitats are dense areas of older coniferous forests and the sculptor has accurately placed his bird on a spruce or pine branch.

Excellent condition. There are a few areas on the bird's head where tiny areas of white porcelain show through the glaze. There is no sign of damage, however, so perhaps this was some kind of an effect that the artist was attempting. Other than one tiny chip on the fan of the tail feathers (visible in our photos), there is no damage although there are a few places where there is the light cracalature sometimes seen on the surface of very large porcelain sculptures.

The Capercaillie is a grouse found all across Europe, but it is particularly prevalent in Northern Russia. (On the territory of the former USSR there are four or five distinct species and sub species.) It is hunted from April to May, usually during the hours between midnight and dawn. The fact that its own mating call frequently renders it deaf has been the subject of jokes for many generations!

This oversized sculpture has a universal appeal that makes it attractive to both hunters and naturalists!

/trademark is #149 in Volume One of "Marks on Soviet Porcelain, Faience, and Majolica, 1917-1991" /