Lush Designs – Bone China Mug – Fox And Cubs

Artist: Lush Designs
Price: £24.00 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Bone china
Condition: New
Size: 8.5cm high 8.5cm diameter

Bone china with delicate detail and gold embellishment.

The British fox, specifically the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), is one of the country’s most iconic and adaptable mammals. Found in both rural and urban areas, it is celebrated for its resourcefulness, striking appearance, and ability to thrive in diverse habitats. Foxes are a key part of Britain’s ecosystems, playing a role as both predator and scavenger.

Physical Characteristics

The red fox has a slim, athletic build with a characteristic bushy tail, known as the “brush,” which often features a white tip. Its coat varies in shades of reddish-orange, with a pale underside and black markings on the ears, legs, and muzzle. Adults typically measure around 90 to 110 centimetres in length, including the tail, and weigh between 5 and 8 kilograms, with males being slightly larger than females.

Habitat and Behaviour

Foxes are highly adaptable, living in a wide range of environments, including woodlands, grasslands, farmland, and urban areas. They are most active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular), though they can often be seen foraging at night. Foxes are territorial animals, marking their ranges with scent to communicate with others.

A fox’s diet is omnivorous and opportunistic, consisting of small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and even scavenged human food in urban settings. This varied diet has enabled them to thrive in towns and cities, as well as the countryside.

Cubs and Reproduction

Fox cubs are born in the spring, typically between March and April, after a gestation period of around 52 days. A vixen (female fox) gives birth to a litter of 4 to 6 cubs in an underground den, often called an “earth.” These dens are usually dug in sheltered locations, such as under tree roots, in hedgerows, or in urban gardens.

At birth, fox cubs are blind, deaf, and covered in dark grey or brown fur. They rely entirely on their mother for warmth and nourishment, suckling for the first few weeks. Their eyes open after about 10 to 14 days, and their fur gradually changes to the reddish hue typical of adults.

By 4 weeks of age, the cubs begin to venture out of the den under the watchful eye of the vixen, exploring their surroundings and playing with their siblings. During this time, they also start eating solid food, which is brought back to the den by both parents. Play behaviour among cubs helps develop the hunting skills they will need as adults.

By late summer, the cubs are nearly fully grown and start to disperse, seeking their own territories. Some may remain close to their birthplace, while others travel several miles in search of a suitable range.

Importance and Challenges

Foxes are an integral part of British wildlife, contributing to the balance of local ecosystems by controlling populations of rodents and other small prey. However, they can sometimes come into conflict with humans, particularly in urban areas where they may scavenge bins or disturb gardens. In rural settings, foxes are occasionally perceived as a threat to poultry, though their impact is often exaggerated.

The sight of a vixen with her playful cubs is a heart-warming image of spring and a reminder of the resilience and beauty of British wildlife. Their adaptability and intelligence have ensured their place as one of Britain’s most beloved yet sometimes controversial animals.

Based on this information, we say ‘hurrah’ as this vixen and her brood adorn these fine mugs by Lush Designs.

Lush Designs: A Brief Description

Lush Designs is a British company that creates a wide array of beautifully illustrated homeware, with designs that capture a sense of whimsy and charm. Their collections include lampshades, cushions, ceramics, and tea towels, all featuring hand-drawn artwork inspired by nature, wildlife, and folklore.

With vibrant colours, bold patterns, and playful motifs, Lush Designs’ products are ideal for adding character and warmth to any space. Their lampshades, in particular, are known for their striking appearance, with intricate details and rich story-telling elements. We hold a large range in our Ripon gallery but we do not sell them online.

Sustainability is an important aspect of their work, and they focus on creating long-lasting, high-quality pieces. If you’re interested in British-made home décor that brings artistry and creativity to the forefront, Lush Designs offers distinctive items with a signature British touch.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.