Meloe Monoceros 19th Century Hand-Colored Entomological Engraving Gujarat bag or a frieze

or a frieze

but are in very good shape

There is also a small split in the wood of the handle as it crosses the top of the basket--again very minor

Most of all I love how composed but acutely observant and alert he seems --a wonderfully watchful presence to keep near

it would make a very sweet vase for one small bloom

Meloe Monoceros 19th Century Hand-Colored Entomological Engraving Gujarat bag or a friezeThis is a very lovely hand colored engraving from a 19th century volume on entomology. Behind the engraving is the original text page from that book, identifying this beautiful bug as a Meloe Monoceros, which looks like a sort of horned, spotted beetle. I think it is just beautifully done, presented as if viewed through a microscope, with the tiny tiny actual sized rendering of the beetle just below! The engraving and text page are attached via linen