Zoomorphic composition with shell, Europe, 19th century

Height x width x diameter: 24.5 x 15.5 x 7.5 cm. Weight: 1350 g

Cymbiola Imperialis, from the Philippines, resting on a rectangular base on which stands a fantastical creature, with a hybrid and complex appearance, composed of the head of a sphinx, the wings of a dragon, the tail of a snake, the front legs of a lion and the breasts of a woman. On top of the creature is a shell, which completes the composition and enhances its verticality and theatricality. The whole piece displays a stylistic approach that combines fantastical and natural elements, typical of European decorative production intended for collectibles and cabinets of curiosities, with great attention to detail and the modelling of forms.