From 1797 until 1822, Johann Peter Melchior was master sculptor at the Manufactory. Under his direction, figurine sculpture at Nymphenburg underwent a radical transformation. Influenced by Classicism, the shapes became simpler, calmer and thus more elegant, without, however, sacrificing any of their characteristic charm or naturalness. In a short space of time, Melchior created a great many figures that have lost none of their appeal to this day. Thus the reclining lion, designed around 1800, has adorned the blue-edged base of this paperweight since 1985.