Colossal Octopus Tray
Pen and wash drawing of a colossal octopus by malacologist Pierre Dénys de Montfort, 1801. Pierre is primarily known today for his pioneering inquiries into the existence of the gigantic octopus Architeuthis, which was thought to be an old wives' tale, and for which he was long dismissed. He was inspired by a description from 1783 of an eight-meter-long tentacle found in the mouth of a sperm whale. We think that Montfort’s rendering is a magnificent depiction of the roiling seas and the many unknown perils faced by sailors.
In the potichomania process, the glass acts as both a foundation and protective finish, saving the step of varnishing. The original intent was to recreate Greek and Etruscan vases by simulating rare and expensive Sevrés porcelain.
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Details
This tray measures approximately 5x8 inches. The relative thinness of the tray – just over 1/8” thick – belies the complexity of the potichomania process. Each of our trays is comprised of a glass tray, three layers of 28# paper, four coatings of varnish, and finished with two coats, each of paint and clear acrylic spray. We’ve added a high-quality felt pad on the bottom in order to protect your home surfaces.
Care: Please spray with a gentle glass cleanser and wipe clean. Do not submerge in water. For decorative purposes only.
©Why Girls Go Astray. All rights reserved.