Deru Origami Animals

Yesterday's flea market produced a curious little find in the form of a leather sheet folded into the shape of a bull. My eye was drawn to it immediately and I snatched it up. After researching the DERU, GERMANY mark on my bull's back leg, it turns out I have a nice little find on my hands.

Deru was a German company that made beautifully crafted animal figures folded out of leather during the 1960s. They used an origami-like technique to create poses and expressions. Today their animals are coveted art objects, fetching prices of $100 to well over $1000.  There is currently a baby giraffe for sale on 1stdibs for $900. Yowza.

photo: 1stdibs

A little more searching turned up these handsome folks.

images: 1stdibs

Don't they just make you smile? I find the likeness and expressions Deru was able to capture simply by folding leather quite amazing. Each animal has a personality and the construction appears effortless and never overworked. This is the kind of art that looks simple enough to make, until you try it and realize it's absolutely an art.

image: trippytrunk on Etsy

image: EUCTG on Etsy

Hope you enjoyed browsing these little creatures. Happy Monday everyone!