Although carved eraser stamps are typically regarded as simple and accessible works of art, Japanese artist Yasuko Aoyama has taken the art form to a higher level with bigger, multicolored stamps that breathtakingly capture the beautiful things she sees in life as brilliant rubber masterpieces. Often taking animals, nature, and even images from her dreams as inspiration, Aoyama carefully carves out intricate patterns and images to portray the beauty of the subject through her own unique perspective.

Aoyama initially began making smaller stamps out of erasers, but her canvases gradually grew in size and began to incorporate the use of more colors, and in some cases, overlapping canvases to create a 3D effect. Many of her stamps feature creatures from traditional Japanese culture, such as the Komainu (mythical Japanese lion-dogs) and Inari Ōkami (Shinto fox spirit). She says she hopes to one day try woodblock printing, a seemingly similar art form yet drastically different in technique and tools.

Prints of her works can usually be purchased at exhibitions and events she participates in, and cost around 6,000 yen (55 USD) to 40,000 yen (360 USD). However, it's not easy to place a price on these majestic works of carved art, and it's especially difficult to believe that they're all made from blocks of white rubber erasers.

More of Aoyama's works can be seen on her social media sites, where she is highly active on Twitter and Instagram. Make sure to check for updates on the progress and completion of each of her works!

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on

A photo posted by yasuko aoyama (@aocococo) on


By - grape Japan editorial staff.