The next Gomineko call for submissions will be for Kirin imagery.

Kirin are one of my all time favorite Japanese mythological creatures. The Japanese Kirin traces it‘s origins to Chinese mythology, but they‘ve diverged quite a bit in physical appearance and attributes. In Japan, Kirin are believed to be more powerful than dragons or phoenix, but much less aggressive. The Kirin is a benevolent creature, a protector, that, while incredibly powerful, will not harm another living creature unnecessarily. They do not hunt or eat meat and supposedly move without disrupting even the grass underfoot. They are said to appear only in lands ruled by a just and virtuous leader, therefore the appearance of a Kirin is a very good omen, particularly for the ruling family, as they are fierce adversaries of deceit and cruelty. Some legends portray Kirin as a sacred pet of the gods.
Kirin are said to have the head of a dragon, the body of a deer, often covered with the scales of a fish or dragon, the legs of a horse and the tail of a bull. They usually have antlers or a single horn in the center of their foreheads. Kirin means giraffe in Japanese and, while the do not resemble a giraffe in appearance, it is believed that the Kirin was fashioned after the giraffe’s serene disposition. While Kirin are peaceful creatures, when angered they roar with the sound of thunder and can spit fire. They are unrivaled defenders of the innocent. I’ve included some Kirin imagery for reference. Have fun with this one!

Submissions should arrive before August 25, 2009. Gomineko Press is working on a book on Japanese Mythological Creatures due out at the end of next year and plans to pull from these illustrations for this publication so please include a permission to print note.

Artwork should be sent to:
Gomineko Books
Crystal Morey
IS Heights #1101
Higashi-Shinagawa 3-32-42
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
140-0002
Japan

Submissions must include your name, address, email address and written permission for Gomineko Press to print the artwork in future publications. If your artwork is published I will send you a copy of the publication. Artwork will not be returned unless specifically requested. One submission per person please. Message me here with questions or email me at gominekobooks@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much for participating!! xoxo Gomineko

Ozuma Kaname

Tenmyouya Hisashi