Home / Art

Fun Paper Animal Puppets Designed to Move in Unexpected Ways When Touched

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

In his menagerie of moveable animal puppets, Japanese designer Haruki Nakamura adds a mechanical touch to the ancient art of paper crafting. Inspired by kirigami—an origami-like technique that employs cuts in addition to foldsNakamura creates paper dolls that move in unexpected and unusual ways.

Crafted from paper and cleverly constructed, each whimsical creature puts a paper twist on karakuri, or mechanized puppets. Like traditional karakuri, each figure's movements are prompted by human touch. This means that when pressed, poked, or prodded in certain places, the puppets come alive. Whether they're shedding surprising disguises, showcasing amazing acrobatics, or coming out of their shells (literally), the animals exhibit both the capabilities of the kirigami craft and Nakamura's creative approach to paper dolls.

While Nakamura sells his delightful dolls in his online shop, they only ship within Japan. However, if you're overseas and would like to get your paws on your own paper puppets, you can learn how to create your own with Karakuri: How to Make Mechanical Paper Models That Move. Or, if it's kirigami that has piqued your paper interest, check out Kirigami: The Art Of Folding & Cutting Paper.

Artist and designer Haruki Nakamura uses a kirigami technique to create moveable animal puppets. The paper dolls are inspired by karakuri, traditional mechanical figures.

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Animal Puppets Karakuri Kirigami Paper Dolls Haruki Nakamura

Haruki Nakamura: Website | Shop
h/t: [Imgur, Colossal, Laughing Squid]

All images via Haruki Nakamura.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Related Articles:

11 Cutting-Edge Origami Artists Who Are Masters of Paper Folding

Metal Craftsman Recreates Animals as Moving Steampunk Sculptures

Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.
Become a Member
Explore member benefits

Sponsored Content