Product Description
Medieval Bodyguard Rynda (Ринда) was a squire standard-bearer and a loyal personal bodyguard of the Grand Dukes of Moscow and Tsars of the 14th-17th centuries. Only the most handsome young men were chosen for the honor. They were present behind the Tsar or Grand Duke, and accompanied them during public appearances. In the palace hierarchy, the rynda ranked behind boyars, couriers (okolnichy), nobles and Duma clerks. Although impressive, the rynda's function was ceremonial and not as skilled warriors. The position was abolished by Peter I (Great) at the onset of the 18th century.
A rynda's costume and clothing included, in this gentleman's case, a coral ermine fur coat embroidered with silver, sashes with gold and silk multi-color strips and a fur gorlatnaya hat and red morocco boots. Our fellow also carries a majestic poleaxe (секира).
The title "Ринда", the artist, Bogorodskoye, and the date are all written on the bottom of the base. An unusual feature of this carving is the head on the warrior on a spring, giving it an unobtrusive "bobble-head" effect. The label of the original importer is still attached with some extra information. Fully hand carved and painted. 11¼" in height. Near fine, 1 only.
