Lush Designs – Bone China Mug – Ocelot

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 ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a striking and medium-sized wild cat native to the forests, grasslands, and wetlands of Central and South America. While not naturally found in Britain, it is occasionally seen in wildlife collections and zoos, admired for its beauty and elusive nature.

Physical Characteristics

The ocelot is renowned for its sleek, dappled coat, which serves as excellent camouflage in its natural habitat. Its fur is short and soft, featuring a golden-yellow to tawny base colour adorned with black rosettes, spots, and streaks. The pattern is unique to each individual, much like a fingerprint. The underbelly is pale, and the long tail is marked with dark rings.

An adult ocelot typically measures between 70 and 100 centimetres in body length, with an additional tail length of 30 to 45 centimetres. It stands around 40 to 50 centimetres at the shoulder and weighs between 8 and 15 kilograms, with males being larger than females. Its rounded ears are black with a distinct white spot on the back, believed to act as a visual signal to other ocelots.

Behaviour and Lifestyle

Ocelots are solitary and primarily nocturnal animals, spending the day resting in dense vegetation or tree branches. They are highly territorial, marking their ranges with scent and vocalisations. Their territories can vary in size, depending on the availability of prey and habitat quality.

These agile predators are skilled climbers and swimmers, allowing them to hunt across a variety of terrains. Their diet is carnivorous and diverse, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally fish. Ocelots stalk and pounce on their prey, relying on their keen senses of sight, smell, and hearing.

Reproduction

Ocelots mate year-round, though births often coincide with seasons of abundant food. After a gestation period of around 79 to 85 days, a female gives birth to one to three kittens in a secluded den, such as a hollow tree or dense thicket. The kittens are born blind, with their eyes opening after about two weeks. Their spotted coats are duller and fuzzier than those of adults.

The mother raises the young alone, teaching them to hunt as they grow. By the age of one, the juveniles are independent and ready to establish their own territories.

Conservation Status

Although the ocelot is not currently endangered, it is listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, populations face significant threats, including habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal poaching for their fur, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation and legal protection in countries where the ocelot is found.

Cultural Significance

The ocelot has long been revered in the folklore and art of indigenous peoples in its native range, often symbolising power, agility, and mystery. Today, it continues to captivate wildlife enthusiasts worldwide with its striking appearance and elusive behaviour, making it a favourite in conservation and education programmes.

Based on this information, we say ‘of least-concern’ animal awareness is fitting for 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.