We've previously showcased incredible artists who transform humble cardboard into mind-blowing creations, like "Cardboard Girl" and her stunning takes on Howl's Moving Castle and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind's Ohmu. It's clear that cardboard offers limitless creative potential!
Now, get ready to meet Japanese cardboard artist NBO (@NBO26551241), who recently blew up X (formerly Twitter) with their latest masterpiece: a colossal, 160 cm (over 5 feet) tall Grim Reaper sculpture, crafted entirely from cardboard! The sheer scale and intricate detail are so mind-boggling, it's hard to believe it's not made of something else, sparking a massive buzz online.
NBO's creation is a towering Grim Reaper statue, complete with a massive scythe, casually lurking in a room corner. Titled "Shinigami" (Grim Reaper), the piece stands an impressive 160 cm tall. At first glance, it looks so eerily real, you might expect it to swing its scythe and claim a soul any second. The realism is absolutely chilling!
But here's the kicker: the entire statue—scythe, robes, and skull—is constructed entirely from cardboard.
Look closely, and you'll spot the tell-tale creases and textures of cardboard. But step back even a little, and it's almost impossible to tell! Instead of the typical black and white palette for the Grim Reaper, the artist deliberately kept the cardboard's natural brown hue, which surprisingly lends the piece an even more unsettling and authentic vibe.
Crafting such a massive piece naturally brings up the challenge of transportation. So, the artist cleverly designed it with a detachable and foldable structure, making it a breeze to move from home to a studio.
Despite its modular design, the sculpture stands tall and holds its pose perfectly. The Grim Reaper's robes conceal a complex wireframe, not only maintaining its shape but also allowing it to be folded for storage, just like real fabric. The skull is detachable, and the scythe splits into two sections – clearly, the artist put immense thought into balancing impressive scale with practical portability.
And let's talk about that incredible scythe! Measuring nearly 2 meters (over 6.5 feet) long, it's painted with acrylic poster colors and dry-brushed to achieve a stunning metallic texture. The surface is then treated with both gloss and matte protective coatings.
The handle itself is made from paper tubes, and the overall design features organic, almost biological curves – truly mind-boggling that this entire weapon is pure cardboard.
NBO revealed that the most challenging part of the entire project was crafting the skull. To achieve ultimate realism, they meticulously studied human skull photographs and even purchased skull models for repeated reference, aiming for the most lifelike result possible.
While the cardboard texture is still somewhat discernible on the robes and scythe when magnified, the skull is a whole different beast. The inherent texture of the cardboard surprisingly mimics the feel of skin and muscle, making the skull appear almost alive and dramatically boosting its realism.
If you're as blown away by this cardboard artistry as we are, you absolutely have to check out NBO's X account for more jaw-dropping creations. Seriously, it'll make you realize that cardboard truly has no limits, and these artists' skills are just out of this world!
▼ And get this – they also crafted a 1/7 scale Anya Forger statue from SPY×FAMILY entirely out of cardboard!
via： X@ンボール@ダンボールアート