![Quilled praying mantis, front view](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfpXUCQ4c2Qm4gOPHq5vDUEwXAtVx3EEP2PAnZnx3WUidt13zk91gESgS6x9BxXb4VMzvsol_b3ItEJ-n38SaYFlE1ZGU5hQ17r9yaihsKl9v6H7UMYnll3x8mtoGFQv5HPTyH2WWQTg/s320/quilled-mantis-front.jpg)
The praying mantis is an amazing insect who has been always fascinating me. Some time ago I was visiting Tikotin Museum of Japanese Art in Haifa when I saw a beautiful box decorated with an image of two praying mantises. The full title reads "Stationery box (Suzuri Bako), 18th c. Flowers and two praying-mantises. Lacquered wood. Design in gold hiramaki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay. Tikotin collection". This experience has become the catalyst for my decision to make a quilled praying mantis.