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Introducing "Smooch Fest" Harmony Kingdom's 2011 shrink-wrapped annual, by Peter Calvesbert.

Several months ago as Peter began the sculpture, he said to expect something amorous and lovely. The result: warthogs! When the prototype arrived, it was accompanied with a note that read, "What could be more romantic than two beautiful warthogs kissing under mistletoe" Peter went on to explain that he hadn't carved warthogs since 1995's "Mud Bath" – so "Smooch Fest" is at once nostalgic and pure Calvesbertian.

As tradition would have it, there are four variations:

The standard"Smooch Fest" is created in an edition of 245. There are a mere 35 of the color variation, each with brown tint and golden tusks. The mold variation, with an edition of 70, has been Santafied. Because warthogs live in Africa, it would be far too hot to wear a full Santa suit so Peter's is wearing a Santa hat, woolly waistcoat and sweat bands. And one very lucky person will receive the one-of-a-kind, jewel bedecked "Smooch Fest."

"Smooch Fest" Secrets

The word "mistletoe" is of uncertain etymology, but this leafy plant's amorous origins trace all the way back to 13th century Norse legend. In cultures across pre-Christian Europe, mistletoe was seen as a representation of divine male essence (perhaps due to its waxy white berries), and thus fertility and vitality. According to Pliny the Elder, the Celts considered it a remedy for barrenness in animals. By 1820, American author Washington Irving described kissing under mistletoe. Nearly two centuries later, English sculptor Peter Calvesbert portrayed two lip-locking warthogs, each carrying a sprig of mistletoe.

"Smooch Fest" bears three inscriptions on the inner lid. "Sounder" refers to a group of warthogs. "Growler" is the scheming young warthog of Lion King fame. "Phacochoerus Porkus" is Peter's Latin interpretation of the species. "A10" on the base is a reference to the American tank busting jet, also known as the warthog. Lift the lid to see a warthog enjoying a mud bath with his rubber duck.

Although Harmony Kingdom is still manufactured at Wimberley Mills near Stroud in Gloucestershire, since Martin Perry, the founder retired in August 2005, marketing and shipping of the pieces is done from the USA office at Harmony Ball Company in Ohio. This means that we have to consolidate our orders before having them shipped to us. We are currently taking deliveries about every 6 weeks and so there may be a delay with your order if the piece is not already in stock. We will advise by email. Hope this doesn't cause a problem.