The Keyring — The Crowned Sphinx | The Naturalist’s Cabinet

In the 18th century, the hawk-moth was considered the most aristocratic of insects. Its flight was silent, its wingspan commanding, its markings — amber, slate, and gold — more complex than any jeweller could reproduce. Some naturalists had them mounted under glass. Others had them embroidered on silk. This keyring has it pressed in leather.

The design presents a Sphingidae — the hawk-moth — in full dorsal display at the centre of a gilded medallion, its wings spread in amber and slate blue against a ground of ivory quilted leather. Above it, a small crown — the mark of a specimen deemed worthy of classification at the highest order. Around it, Baroque acanthus scrollwork in antique gold frames the composition like the cartouche of a royal coat of arms.

The reverse carries the same composition in a lighter register — the same moth, the same crown, the same scrollwork, seen as if through tracing paper.

The Object

A double-sided printed leather keyring with foam padding and a silver-tone ring. Hand-finished, made to order.

• Material: Premium printed leather, double-sided with foam padding
• Dimensions: 70 × 57 mm
• Hardware: Silver-tone ring
• Print: Full-surface, both sides
• Care: Wipe clean only
• Made to order — produced with intention, never in excess

Part of The Naturalist’s Cabinet, curated for The Canvas Collective.