In 1735, an unknown artist in the Du Paquier factory in Vienna, Austria created the piece now known as Figure of a Manticore. This hard-paste porcelain piece sits at 4-13/16 inches tall and a length of 5-⅜ inches. It’s appearance is that of a feline creature, possibly a lion with a long rat like tail that wraps around the branches of the tree that support it. The creature looks at us crouched on all fours from it’s left shoulder with a sly and cunning glare. It has a very round face with red on its’ lips, pink accents on the cheeks and ears, and a purple mane that also appears to turn into a beard.
Mythical is the first word that comes to mind when viewing this piece. It has an evil presence and emotion projected from every glance. This creature was created to be a trickster and to draw an unsuspecting passersby to fall into its trap. It could be a creation to ward off evil spirits. Through looking so cunning and persuasive, was it created to scare off the negative that was approaching the person who held it? It shows power and fear simultaneously.
Art & Sustainability 