Sea-serpents, unicorns, dragons, and all kinds of strange fantastical creatures perpetuated Europe’s sense of mystery and fear about far off regions of the world. The white stoneware teapot molded in the shape of a camel seen in the display case was made shortly after these unfamiliar animals had been introduced to Europe through trade with the Middle East

Images taken from Conrad Gesner Historiae Animalium
Zurich: Froschauer, 1551-8.

Drawings by Anna Pankratz, 2008