No. 98163065

Industrial equipment - Kasli Cast Iron Sculpture – “Demon / Devil” – USSR, 1960s–1980s - Ukraine
No. 98163065

Industrial equipment - Kasli Cast Iron Sculpture – “Demon / Devil” – USSR, 1960s–1980s - Ukraine
Kasli Cast Iron Sculpture – “Demon / Devil” – USSR, 1960s–1980s
Authentic Kasli Art Casting – Black patinated cast iron, grotesque dynamic form – Soviet decorative art with museum tradition
Description
Rare decorative figure “Demon” (sometimes called “Devil”), produced by the world-famous Kasli Foundry of Artistic Cast Iron in the Soviet Union.
This piece displays the hallmark features of Kasli workmanship: smooth deep-black patina, grotesque stylisation with dynamic anatomy, elongated limbs, expressive face with horns, exaggerated hands, and coiled tail. The sculpture instantly attracts attention, creating a strong decorative accent in any interior.
Material
Cast iron, original Kasli black patina (oxidised/varnished surface).
Origin / Maker
Kasli Foundry, Chelyabinsk region, USSR. Circa 1960s–1980s. Typical series production of the factory, executed with high artistic quality.
Production Details – Why it is Kasli
Technique: Fine sand-casting followed by hand-finishing (removal of seams, cleaning of feeders, and cold chasing of details such as the face, ribs, and hair).
Surface: Traditional Kasli finish – deep matte black patina, giving cast iron an almost porcelain-like appearance.
Sculptural quality: Expressive grotesque figure, balancing stylisation with anatomical detail – typical of the Ural school.
Casting excellence: Seamless body, finely cleaned joints, crisp modelling – indicators of Kasli factory standard.
Kasli has been a centre of Russian cast iron art since the mid-19th century. Their works won the Grand Prix at the Paris World Exhibition in 1900, and today are preserved in leading museums worldwide.
In the Soviet era, the factory maintained this tradition, producing limited-run interior sculptures and decorative figures for state collections, exhibitions, and high-level gifts. This demon is an example of their playful grotesque style – rarer than the more classical reliefs and statuettes, making it especially interesting to collectors.
Historical and Collectible Value
Represents the continuity of Imperial Russian decorative traditions into the Soviet period.
Recognisable “Black Kasli” style, highly sought after by collectors of metal art.
The grotesque mythological theme (devil/demon) was popular in European decorative art of the 20th century, but is less common in Kasli’s Soviet production – adding rarity.
Ideal as a conversation piece: elongated hands and curved tail cast dramatic shadows, making it perfect for shelves, mantelpieces, or gothic-inspired interiors.
Condition
Very good vintage condition. Even black patina, only minor age-related wear, no cracks or repairs. Ready for display.
Dimensions & Weight:
Length: 16 cm
Height: 7.5 cm
Shipping:
Ships from Ukraine within 3 working days after auction ends.
Registered shipping with tracking number (Track & Trace).
Estimated delivery time from Ukraine: 15–45 days
Ships from Ukraine (non-EU). Please note that customs duties may apply in your country.
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