Helmeted Hornbill Pair

This sculpture was modelled on the critically endangered Helmeted Hornbills' way of life. Here we see the husband flying back with a fig in his beak for his wife in the nest. The silver parts are hand raised, hammered, soldered, constructed, riveted, engraved and partly oxidised. Beaks & casques are 18kt yellow gold, hand raised, soldered, engraved and enamelled. The stainless-steel springs inside allow for movement of the neck. The eyes of both birds are set with carnelian.

Enamel, Copper, Gold, Silver, Stainless steel, Carnelian, Jasper, Turquoise, Wood, Sculpture

Crafted by

Rie Taniguchi