Lladró Majestic Lion - The Apex Predator Cat of the Savannah
Lladró Majestic Lion Sculpture pays tribute to the king of the savannah in a handcrafted matt black porcelain treatment.
Did you know that the lion is the only cat species that live in groups? That may sound strange for an apex predator on top of the food chain, but this is necessitated by the wild open plains of the African savannah. A group of lions, known as a pride, are strategically more prepared to take down larger prey through coordinated attacks compared to if they attacked alone. An open battleground with limited hiding spots limits the ambush potential utilised by other cat species in other habitats.
The mighty lion has been a motif for several pieces in Lladró's catalogue. From a display of a lion stalking its prey in Lion Pouncing, to an intimidating symbol on the shield of the Spartan Sculpture, to an intimate moment between father and child in Lion and Cub Sculpture.
A larger pride of three to thirty members also work together to protect their hunting territory from other lion prides and scavengers like hyenas. This is typically done through sheer dominance of a loud roar and the intimidating presence of a lion's mane, but also through a show of power in a fight with other apex lions. The protection also serves to protect their lioness mates to improve propagation of the pride. Lionesses choose to mate with the stronger and dominant lions in the pride for the better chance of being protected against predators and access to better hunting grounds with more food. It is normal for lionesses to also mate with the other males to improve genetic diversity and improve chances of a healthy offspring.
The Origami Lion Sculpture recreates the king of the wild plains in origami form, the Japanese art of paper folding.
Finally, the large majority of the pride are females who are responsible for childbearing, child-rearing, and support. Newborns are vulnerable during the first few months, and lionesses focus on hiding their young from other prides and predators. New cubs are nursed not just by their biological mother but also by other females. They are also taught to stalk, pounce, and hunt for food.
From the guardians of ancient gates of Babylonia to the imposing lions in Trafalgar Square, throughout history this animal has been a universal symbol of strength, nobility and courage.
Lladró's Majestic Lion Sculpture captures the nobility of the apex predator in matt black porcelain, watching over his pride with eternal vigilance. His glorious mane has been hand-sculpted with an organic flow and texture, while his face displays a stoic and protective expression. The body ripples with strength with anatomically accurate musculature further exemplifying the strength of king of the savannah. This creation not only celebrates the grandeur of the lion but also showcases porcelain as an art form capable of capturing the beauty and strength of nature.
For our other articles on the animal kingdom: