Although shot with a macro lens, still more of a close-up than a true macro, lovely shot though, nice set-up...

By definition of link in rules:

What is Macro?
Macro, by definition, is photography at 1x magnification and above.

Considering the actual size of the figurine... this is a macro shot.

What is the size of the figurine?

Author, you are correct a macro is a 1x or 1:1 ratio, that means that it's the same size on the camera sensor as in real life...unless you are using a medium format (read Hassleblad) camera, a standard DSLR has an approx 18mmx24mm sensor...that figurine would HAVE to be less than 1 inch high??? Not trying to anger you...just making an observation...if it is that small, nicely done as I stated previously...the set-up is wonderful and the lighting is good also.

Not angered itsmymoment, not at all , sorry to have made that impression. As I am learning things and teaching myself this hobby i misunderstood the true definition of macro. Thank you for the compliment. The figurine's size is 2.5".

No problem author, then your actual ratio is in the area of 1:2 or 1:3, still in the macro range...for all purposes here I would guess, not all of the artists would have the equipment to make real macro's. Plus the real difficulty of this contest is finding something "interesting" enough on such a small scale on a ceramic figurine to shoot in macro!