Danish artist Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) was a master of capturing "animal energy" in his stoneware sculptures. His bears exhibit ursine energy. His cats express feline energy. And, naturally, his bulls channel bovine energy—as does the "Bull in Repose," shown here. The animal swings its heavy head—atop an impossibly thick neck—perhaps expelling the bothersome flies which have landed on his massive back.
Knud Kyhn worked for Royal Copenhagen for many years, hand-sculpting the original "models" (many of them animals) and supervising their production and glazing. Royal Copenhagen was in the business of producing "collectible" artworks, thus, they would produce a small number of each design every year—usually marking the bottoms of each piece with a date-mark. Royal Copenhagen was savvy about how many of each design to produce each year; the company wanted to have enough pieces to satisfy collectors, yet, not enough to swamp the market. Of course, smaller (less expensive) items were produced in larger quantities than the larger (more expensive) "statement pieces" (like the bull shown here). Just a few of these large pieces might be produced each year (and, perhaps, for fewer years). The bull shown here was produced in 1964. He is sure to impress your Taurean father (or rancher or matador). Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome, impressive bovine.
More Handsome Gifts for Father's Day tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.