The Watchful Dragon
342 Pieces, 12 Figurals
Cutting: Genuine Cherry Ply
Approximate Size: 12 1/2 inches x 10 inches
Completed: August 11, 2009
Original Artwork: "St. George Dragon" Copywrite Graeme Base
Cutting: Genuine Cherry Ply
Approximate Size: 12 1/2 inches x 10 inches
Completed: August 11, 2009
Original Artwork: "St. George Dragon" Copywrite Graeme Base
I've always loved dragons, so I very much enjoyed cutting this puzzle. The artist's "beast" sits patiently while watching happenings from atop his withered perch, and it is left to us to decide what he is looking, or waiting, for.
I cut the center sweep out of the original picture to give extra definition to the dragon and the trees, and to add challenge to the assembler. In total, there are 25 drop-outs, many being between limbs and trunks.
This was my first puzzle where I used my unique process of insetting "gems" into the wood. When put together, brilliant red gems will shine along certain areas of the dragon's body. This is seen better in the picture below.
If you look closely, you will find a sword Figural lying upon the ground.
The photograph below shows the location of the various Figurals in the puzzle. Three other dragons glide through the amber skies, while my "Buff the Magic Dragon" piece stays cautiously away near the crescent moon. A 'Gator is hungry in the swamp, and competes for food with a nearby snake. Two warrior knights ride their steeds and their various weapons are scattered about.
I had fun seeing certain Figurals come into the puzzle, taking strategic advantage of the location of some of the gems. Below, a large snake has glowing red "gem" eyes, and also three "gems" add nice adornment to a warrior's shield.
The many drop-outs in the puzzle provide a bit of trickery as many inside pieces will look like straight "edge" pieces to the assembler. The wavy tree pieces here are not as deceiving, but still fun to solve. Watch out for that alligator!! But is he predator....or prey?
Dragons throughout history have always attracted the presence of heroes looking to make names for themselves and to rid the countryside of these "pests." Whether fair or not, it is the fate of dragons to deal with this constant threat.
It is no surprise, therefore, that our dragon has attracted several Figurals looking to banish him. A pair of knights on horseback have come to have a closer look, and several of their weapons can be found about.
This puzzle comes packaged, as all Ferguson Puzzles do, in a nice, fabric lined box. And what design would be more appropriate than dragon scale?
