DaVinci Inspired Anax Imperator Machina aka The Emperor Dragonfly Machine

Dragonfly 1

Leonardo DaVinci would have been proud of this little Dragonfly creation, for it has been created and inspired by his visionary mechanical drawings and developments.

The Anax Imperator Machina means the Emperor Dragonfly Machine in Latin.

It is a wonderful presentation of classical engineering in a miniature form. The dragonfly is 6 inches long, 8 inches wide (from wing tips), 3.5 inches tall and is completely handmade except for two individual gears.

As the tip of the tail (Actually the abdomen, as I recently learned) is turned, the wings will mechanically flutter without the use of technology.

Dragonfly 2

The Anax Imperator Machina costs $15,000, based on the Artist explanation below…it seems quite fair.

The Artist explains: The internal mechanisms, gears and moving parts were painstakingly hand-milled and hand-calibrated with absolute precision from 14k gold. The body, mechanical frame and wings were handcrafted from Argentium Silver, far superior to Sterling or fine silver. The body opens up to reveal the intricate inner movements, and fine details that just could not be left forever covered up! The eyes are each large 10 carat Swiss Blue Topaz cabochons and the 14k gold bezel on the tail contains a 4mm Amethyst bullet shaped cabochon.

Complete Product Description can be found at Etsy’s.

Via: Designed Well