I should know the name of the critter this is based on, but I don't. One of those shelled cephlapods, like an elongated nautilus. I've made him inside a real shell, with handcut and handformed copper arms and tentacles.
This is an art object, not a toy. The legs are stronger than the shell, and are quite steady, but the whole thing is still breakable and chippable. It is, unlike some of my other sculpture work, easy to dust and not subject to moths, so can be put out on a shelf or wherever you want it, and does not require a glass case. If you decide that this piece is seasonal decor, you should be able to pack it up with no more worry than any other piece of holiday decor, just make sure to provide enough padding that she doesn't scratch your second favourite piece.
