A rare and historically significant Soviet presentation sculpture dating from 1986.
This striking stylized bull is made of polished metal with a highly reflective chrome-like finish and mounted on a substantial wooden presentation base. The design is very characteristic of late Soviet modernism, with strong geometric lines and an almost Space Age / industrial aesthetic.
The most important feature of this piece is the original engraved presentation plaque on the base, which reads:
“To P. A. Abrasimov
from the collective of the Minsk Automobile Plant
28 May 1986.”
The recipient was Pyotr Andreevich Abrasimov (1912–2009), a prominent Soviet statesman and diplomat who held a number of senior governmental and diplomatic posts, including service as Soviet ambassador to East Germany, France, Poland and Japan. Contemporary accounts describe him as a highly influential Soviet official and diplomat.
The Minsk Automobile Plant, better known as MAZ, was one of the major heavy vehicle manufacturers of the Soviet Union. This sculpture appears to have been created or selected as an official commemorative presentation gift from the factory collective rather than as an ordinary commercial souvenir.
The bull itself has a wonderful sculptural quality: powerful angular forms, polished surfaces, prominent horns and small red inset eyes. The contrast between the futuristic metal sculpture and the traditional wooden base makes it especially decorative.
A fascinating piece combining Soviet political history, industrial history, diplomatic memorabilia and Mid-Century / Space Age design.
Condition:
Good vintage condition for its age. The metal surface retains a strong mirror-like shine with age-related light scratches, small marks and areas of wear. The wooden base shows scratches, discoloration and other normal signs of age and handling. The original engraved presentation plaque remains attached. Please carefully review all photographs as they form an important part of the condition description.
Approximate size:
Base length: approx. 30 cm / 11.8 in
Overall height: approx. 18 cm / 7.1 in
Please refer to the photographs for exact proportions and additional measurements.
Details:
* Country: USSR / Soviet Union
* Date: 28 May 1986
* Recipient: Pyotr A. Abrasimov
* Presented by: Minsk Automobile Plant / MAZ collective
* Material: polished metal, wood, red decorative eye inserts
* Subject: stylized bull / charging bull
* Style: Soviet Modernist / Mid-Century Modern / Industrial / Space Age
* Type: presentation gift / commemorative desk sculpture
* Original engraved plaque
Collector interest:
Especially suitable for collectors of Soviet diplomatic memorabilia, USSR political history, Soviet industrial design, MAZ memorabilia, Cold War artifacts and unusual Mid-Century Modern sculpture.