How to Draw a Japanese Kirin
1
In this first step what you will be doing is drawing out the guidelines and circle shapes to form the frame of the Japanese Kirin. Start by drawing a circle for the head and the squared shape for the jaw as shown. Now draw out the guidelines for the
2
Here in this step you will start drawing out the shape of the Kirin's body as shown. Start by drawing out the lining behind the visible ear and work your way down the back of the beast. Now starting just under the neck draw the beginning lining for t
3
In this step you will be drawing out the eyes and detailing the mouth and ears. You will have to start detailing the horn as well and draw out the rest of the tail. On the left leg draw the flame looking hair on the back of the front legs. On the bac
4
This step involves a lot of detailing for all the hair including the Kirin's mane. Take your time and sketch out all definition on the mane, beard, tail, and back and front legs. The hair should look flowing and full. Color in the eye as well. Erase
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April 4, 2008
Description: This tutorial today is going to be on a mythological creature from Japanese folklore. The Kirin is what I am talking about today, and you will have the opportunity to learn how to draw the Kirin with awesome detail. In Japanese myth, the Kirin resembled deer and goats, but the one creature from myth that this Japanese four legged beast resembled most was the unicorn. In fact the Kirin is known to most Asian people as a unicorn. The fable goes like this; In Japanese culture they have many mythological beasts that serve a purpose for many believers. This creature represented truth and justice, and because it represented those morals it had the ability to seek out and punish those who did wrong to others and punished them for it. It is said that the Kirin used its single razor sharp horn to punish the guilty and free the innocent. This creature from myth had a thick mane that resembled a lions, feet or hooves that resembled a deer, black eyes that pierced through your guilty soul, and a body of a common horse or unicorn. Many villagers feared this beast because almost all where guilty for something they did in their lifetime. This Japanese creature also resembles the Chinese version of a unicorn, the Qilin or Kylin. In China this creature is more deer like in Chinese art and is ranked the third most powerful mythological beast of all time, which sits along side the Chinese dragon and Phoenix. Some suggest that the Kirin looks more like an antelope with a horn in the middle of its head in some Japanese art. The Kirin abides by honesty, purity, harmony, peace, and serenity. What it does not like is cruelty, and deceit. In all legends Kirin are extremely gentle and appreciative of all life. The Kirin, have their own particular details and accents which make them all the more beautiful. As we all know in a lot of Japanese art and mythology, they are a culture that has one of the most detailed and interesting creatures from myth of all time. I enjoy learning about new beast of all myths including Chinese, and Roman. In this tutorial you will learn how to draw the Japanese Kirin step by step. The instructions will make the whole learning process that much easier. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on the Japanese Kirin.