Journey Dateline: August 12, 2007
Unicorns - the history of unicorns (from Wikipedia) is quite interesting - they could have been real animals that are & have been extinct for centuries - if so, probably hunted out of existence for their horns which were thought to cure all kinds of poisons and other ailments - similar to what is happeneing to elephants? Elephant tusks are ivory and have caused them to be killed to de-tusk them to sell the ivory.
Unicorns from history appear to be a much different looking animal than the current horse with a scrolling screw type horn popular in fantasy art and literature. Unicorns from history appear to look like a mixture of goat, deer, lion and horse (and could have been a rhinoceros or rhinoceros family member mistaken for the unicorn). Chinese Unicorns (from Wikipedia - also known as Qilin or Kylin [Japanese is Kirin]) are thought to be more like dragons and lions in some districts and girafffes in others. Generally, cloven hoofs, probably like goats or bulls, appear to be a major distinguishing feature from horses since the body shape is thought to be somewhat similar to horses.
I’m thinking that a rhinoceros family member [Elasmotherium - from Wikipedia - also called the Giant Unicorn] was the original model for historical Unicorns since they apparently were seen in and around India and called the “Indian Asses”. There were several distinct subspecies of rhinoceros and even now, they are endangered animals - their horns are wanted as well.
Irregardless of history which I find fascinating and full of speculation and interesting from a scientific perspective, art Unicorns are gorgeous when pictured as horses with spiral horns 
and thus the majestic modern Unicorn will endure and the extinct Elasmotherium Rhinoceros family member will be forgotten except by history buffs, animal lovers, casual researchers such as myself or scientists.
Today’s first featured art is White Rhinoceros by Jim Nesterwitz
Note from Barbara: In reading some of the historical descriptions, the feet were likened to elephants, the tails were similar to boars (a pig) and they had a head somewhat like a goat. Notice the feet and beard on the white rhinorceros.
Tags: Jim Nesterwitz, White Rhinoceros, ImageKind
Today’s second featured art print from Imagekind is
Unicorn Charge by Cheryl A Taylor
Note from Barbara: The soft pastel tans and yellows really highlight the dark colors in the unicorn’s body. I like the sense of movement as if the unicorn is galloping away from the viewer. It makes me wonder about the reason - perhaps it is a mountain lion stalking the unicorn for lunch … maybe a hunter trying to trap it for a circus … maybe it is only in a playful mood to dance in the whirlwind of it’s own creation.
Tags: Cheryl A Taylor, Unicorn Charge, ImageKind
|
|
|
Stuffed Plush Reba Rhinoceros
$15.50
Soft floppy plush! One of the Aurora Wildlife & Jungle Flopsies(tm). 12 Inches Long.
Merchant: Stuffed Ark Corporation
|
|
Flying Unicorn Wind Spinner
$39.79
Step right up and watch the lawn From the Windgarden’s big top tent comes the Flying Unicorn Wind Spinner. This adorable flying creature will steal the show with it’s playful rotating wings and life-like bodies that vane in the slightest breeze.
Merchant: KiteAndWind
|
|
Hansa Stuffed Plush Unicorn
$53.50
Handcrafted European style stuffed unicorn from Hansa. Quality and detail not found in ordinary plush. 18 Inches Long - 17 Inches Tall.
Merchant: Stuffed Ark Corporation
|
|
"Sunbeam" Stuffed Plush Unicorn
$19.50
Super soft Kohair plush unicorn from the Douglas Fantasy collection. 12 Inches Tall.
Merchant: Stuffed Ark Corporation
|
|
Aurora Xanadu Stuffed Plush Unicorn
$17.50
Beautifully detailed soft plush from the Aurora Flopsie Collection. Plays music when squeezed. 12 Inches Long.
Merchant: Stuffed Ark Corporation
|
|
Stuffed Plush Abracadabra Unicorn
$38.50
A big soft plush unicorn from the Douglas Fantasy collection. 27 Inches Long.
Merchant: Stuffed Ark Corporation
|
|
Unicorn 30" Diamond Kite
$16.59
Check out the new children’s themes on our 30-inch back-cut applique diamond kites! Whimsical graphics and ageless appeal make diamond kites a good choice. A traditional favorite for all ages, our 30-inch diamonds look as great for home decoration as they do in the sky! Features: Size: 32 x 30 in, 81 x 76 cm Wind Range: 5 - 15 mph Fabric: Nylon Frame: Hardwood Dowels or Fiberglass Line: Comes with 300 ft. 20 lb. Test Line & Winder.
Merchant: KiteAndWind
|
|
Magical Unicorns
$38.95
Unicorns are mythical creatures that have long been written about in history and represent purity, innocence and justice. This amazing fan depicts two unicorns frolicking in a mystical land. Hang it in any room to create a peaceful and spiritual feeling.
Merchant: Oriental-Decor New York
|
|
India 1 pice (Unicorn) "bronze" (U.S. nickel - size)
$48.93
Stunning U.S. and World 2-Toned - GOLD & SILVER coin cut outs Real U.S. and World coin cut outs. First a small hole is drilled in the coin, then a very fine jewelers saw blade is inserted through the hole and worked around the coins design, (by hand) cutting away the background. Thus leaving the coins figure floating inside its outer edge (rim). The figure is then selectively layered (by hand) in Brilliant Gold & Silver. Each work of art comes complete, on 14K gold layered (either 18 or 24) rope chain and in a nice jewelry box. 1950 - 1955 18? chain
Merchant: Closeout.com
|
|
India 1 Pice (Unicorn) "bronze" (U.S. nickel size)
$88.13
Stunning U.S. & World Coin 2-Toned cut out Earrings Real U.S. & World coin cut outs. First a small hole is drilled in the coin, then a very fine jewelers saw blade is inserted through the hole and worked around the coins design, (by hand) cutting away the background. Thus leaving the coins figure floating inside its outer edge (rim). The figure is then selectively layered (by hand) in Brilliant Gold & Silver. These coins are then made into unique pairs of earrings with Sterling Silver wires and placed in a nice jewelry box. (U.S. nickel size) 1950 - 1955
Merchant: Closeout.com
|
|
Unicorn Bath Bag
$36.49
The Bath Bags, again, are made to look just like our Hooded Towels but for the smaller set. Perfect for the newborn baby. A nice little bag with arms that zips all the way up the front. Keeps tiny ones nice and warm after bath time. Perfect for a chilly winters day to wear while playing with mommy or daddy. Not intended as sleepwear.
Merchant: Shopping Warehouse
|
|
Carstens Unicorn Slumber Bag
$58.49
These slumber bags put the party in "slumber party." Each design comes with three snuggly sleepover friends. The slumber bag is soft and fuzzy with a padded headrest and detachable "pillow friend.": Features: Bag rolls up and stores in its own carry case. 22" unicorn pillow. Small 11" unicorn. 15" fairy princess. Opens to 52"L x 28"W. Made of polyester and acrylic. Machine washable. Great for slumber parties, daycares and overnights, Gramdma’s etc.
Merchant: Shopping Warehouse
|
|
|
|
