This rhinoceros is part of the Anima Series — a collection of Kimekomi ornaments featuring animals — meticulously handcrafted by Dento Kogei-shi (Traditional Craftsman) Ko Ikko. Created as a tribute to Rhinoceros, the iconic woodblock print by 15th-century German master Albrecht Dürer, this piece blends Western art history with the finest techniques of Japanese traditional craftsmanship.
The white areas of the back and waist are covered with an ultra-thin layer of Tengucho washi (Japanese paper), lending the surface an ethereal delicacy. The gleaming golden horns are crafted using the same technique applied to the horns and tusks of traditional Japanese Noh masks — a testament to the depth of Ko Ikko's mastery of classical Japanese craft. The eyes are adorned with black foil, and every detail incorporates time-honored Japanese craft techniques.
About Kimekomi: Kimekomi decorations are a traditional craft originating in the Edo period. The body is shaped by kneading paulownia powder, then polished with gofun (shell white powder), and finished by pressing fabric into grooves with a glue-dipped spatula — a meticulous process that produces a uniquely tactile and luminous surface.
A refined artwork for collectors, art enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the intersection of global art history and Japanese craftsmanship.
