Blue Rhino 22×30 Rhinoceros Watercolor
Here we have a sweet, chilled out rhino and his lovely horn. Is he much different than a unicorn? The horns of most animals have a bony core covered by a thin sheet of keratin. It’s the same substance that hair and nails are made of. However, rhino horns are unique. They are composed entirely of keratin. Over time, they improve and become more impressive in appearance. Rhinoceros horns have long been the object of myth. Some cultures seek them for their supposed magical or medicinal qualities. Others have used them as dagger handles or good luck charms. In China, the ornamental use of rhino horn dates back to at least the 7th century AD. Their horns have also been made into such things as ceremonial cups, buttons, belt buckles, and hair pins. Unfortunately, due to hundreds of years of poaching, rhinos are now endangered. There are only 5 species of rhino left in existence.