Mandarin Duck Taxidermy Commission
I recently had the pleasure of working with a very special specimen – a stunning Mandarin Duck. I’ve been wanting to work with one for a while now!
This beautiful ornamental species was introduced from China in the mid-18th Century but didn’t start breeding and flourishing in the UK until the 1930’s.
The crazy (but beautiful!) feather arrangements on this bird were definitely challenge and slightly intimidating at first, but I think that now I’ve completed a 7ft peacock I have the confidence to do just about anything!
I spent about 9 hours + feathering and preening this duck alone, but I am very happy with how he turned out.
A hand carved mannequin was made out of balsa wood for this duck after taking various measurements from the carcass.
The left over meat from the carcass was also donated to some local hungry tawny owl chicks that were rescued, so nothing goes to waste!
To finish this project off, he’s going to be placed in a custom made glass case with a habitat and resin water base.
I will post pictures once he’s fully complete, but in the mean time take a look at the ‘in progress’ pictures below;
