Written by Today’s creature has earned the colloquial name of Vampire Deer, but is actually a musk deer. This name refers to any of the seven species that make up the genus Moschus and the one shown here is M. moschiferus, or Siberian musk deer. This unusual animal looks like a cross between a kangaroo and a vampire, with its tusks that resemble fangs, which are used to fend off other males during mating season. Musk deer live mainly in forested and alpine scrub habitats in the mountains of southern Asia, notably the Himalayas. In fact, they are entirely Asian in their present distribution, since they became extinct in Europe.
Musk deer are herbivores, living in lovely forested environments, generally far from any humans. They eat mainly leaves, flowers, and grasses, with a bit of mosses and lichens thrown in. They are solitary animals, and maintain well-defined territories, which they scent mark with their caudal glands (no idea where there are located). Musk deer are generally shy, and either nocturnal, or coming out at twilight. Male musk deer have something that has been described as more valuable than gold which is a musk gland, situated in its rectal area.
Since ancient times, deer musk has been extensively used as a perfume fixative, incense material, and medicine. It is also still one of the most expensive animal products in the world. According to Wikipedia, “good deer musk is of a dark purplish color, dry, smooth and unctuous to the touch, and bitter in taste.” Yeah… take a moment to let that last bit sink in and wonder who the hell is eating musk out of a deer’s butt. At least it’s comforting to know that if you’re curious, there’s no longer a need to try it for yourself.
About the Doodlewash
M. Graham watercolors: Gamboge, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Neutral Tint and Titanium White Gouache. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon sepia ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal
I have no words for the fact the people actually like the scent of deer musk. 😝 But your doodlewash is a beauty! Love how his eyes sparkle! ❤️
Thanks Teresa! 😃💕I was a bit speechless on the desk musk as well… I will not be attempting to taste it! lol
Philippe is probably going “oh, thank goodness!” 😆
Pretty much! lol Though he thinks that a lot when living with me 😊
Hahaha!
This looks like it could be one of my imaginary animals! Lol! 😜 I wonder if they get moss stuck in those fangs? Pretty scary looking animal. I enjoyed your humor, Charlie! Musk oil, Yuck! 😝
Thanks Jill! 😃💕hehe… this was crazy one! But then quite a few have looked like imaginary animals! Lol… I’ve been loving that here and on IG people keep googling to see if I’m pulling their leg! 😉
That would be fun to do for April Fool’s Day – an imaginary animal! Hehe! 😃
ooooooo…. it would!!! hehe👍🏻😃
Reblogged this on mgshepard and commented:
I will read this later but just the thought of this being a vampire I had to reblog .
Interesting musk info! And I’d never be curious enough to taste it.. Lol. Interesting that they have those fangs considering they are herbivores! Great doodlewash, Charlie!
Lol… Thanks Kari! 😃💕I agree… I’m a really curious person, but I think I draw the line at tasting deer musk. Yeah… they just use the fangs to attack each other apparently. Musk deer dating is not for the faint of heart! hehe
Very dignified. And great job with the fur. I’ll take a miss on the musk though! (K)
Wise choice on the musk! lol Thanks so much Kerfe! 😃💕
Great painting, Charlie. What an interesting animal. Those fangs would surely keep me far away from it! You are the best at schooling us on all the facts of these uncommon animals, and I do mean ALL the facts! 😉
Haha! Yeah… I figure it’s good to know everything about these creatures! Or at least more fun that way! Thanks Carol! 😃💕
Oh, my – a little scary and a lot wonderfully rendered
hehe… thanks so much, Cynthia! 😃💕
I imagine him telling the kids it’s time to settle down. Has that father figure sensibility. Great rendition, Charlie.
lol… yeah… I can see that too. And they better listen to dad as, well… he has fangs as all. Thanks Sharon! 😃💕
I will never think of musk the same way again. Thanks, Charlie. 😳 Your drawing is excellent though, especially the eyes,as always. Wondering if these guys are about the same size as an average deer? Any idea?
Thanks so much Nancy! 😃💕They’re smaller… they are apparently about 20 – 28 inches at the shoulder. Got all caught up in the musk description and forgot that bit! lol
Understandable..😊
Beautifully painted Charlie.
Thanks so much Teri! 😃💕
He’s certainly challenging my mind’s image of the deer! Imagine if you were expecting a pretty deer and ran into that, with those ominous fangs and ears which are curious, to say the least… quite unsettling! But I suppose it is these features that make him charming… ish. Your lovely job on the eyes makes him appear much more friendly once accustomed! I almost forget completely about the scary fangs… maybe that’s how he wants it to go!
Is our next uncommon creature going to be the rarest and most impressive of all: the Charlie O’Shields? 😉
Yeah…the eyes are just a clever ruse so you’ll get close and then BAM! out with the fangs! Sorry in advance for the nightmares. hehe… Thanks so much Jacob! Oh yeah… it’s selfie day isn’t it? hmmm… I’m just not a human portrait guy. Perhaps there’s a weird creature that just looks a bit like me! haha!
No nightmares that I can recall, thankfully. He’ll have to try harder! And I should know this portrait aversion by now I suppose; still, I’ll bear in mind the day when tonight’s edition comes in! Let’s hope it’s something nice!
hehe… we’ll see…. just about to post it! 😉
Cool! And I want one.
hehe… really? fangs and all? Actually… I have kind of fallen in love with all of these weird creatures this month. Would make the strangest zoo ever!!
Of course, I love the overbite. I think it’s adorable. Have a great weekend, Charlie.
Yeah… overbites are more adorable on animals… hehe… Hope you have a great weekend as well! 😃
Whaaahaaahaaa! Yeh! Who? Ugh!! I’m not sure I needed to know THAT little fact, Charlie! LOL (yes…I’m still laughing…)
You’re welcome! Hahaha! Yeah… I tend to favor the weirdest facts about these weird creatures. Makes live a little more fun! Thanks Jill! 😃💕
This musk deer looks a little like a wolf. Interesting facts Charlie and beautifully rendered.
Thanks Sharon! 😃💕The references were confusing on this guy as most of them had the wrong species name. And I think I made the nose a touch longer… hehe… but the wolf quality really brought out the fangs! lol
It’s front end is tusk
The back end is musk
M. moschiferus.
No need to discuss
It’s quite clear
the rear is more dear
I fear
Lol… well stated, Judy! I’m pretty sure I won’t be laying down my money on dear musk anytime soon, regardless of the value! 😉
Will certainly pause the next time someone talks about musk scented cologne, may even laugh. Love your painting, absolutely adorable, love the texture of the fur, glistening eyes and elegant portrait. Definitely want them at the next tea party.
Yeah… even with the fangs, I think these guys are a bit stately! And their butt smells amazing, so I’m sure they’d be a welcome addition to the tea party! lol Thanks so much, Haunani! 😃💕
Ohhh, you do make me laugh.
And that makes me happy… hehe😃
Cute even with those vampire teeth, love the eyes…..pleased we don’t have smell technology yet!
Yeah… this is probably one of the cuter vampires I’ve seen! And apparently best smelling! lol Thanks, Rebecca! 😃💕
Okay let’s just put it out there…”a bitter taste”?!?
What an interesting deer. The fangs are so odd and worthy of a double, triple take. Beautiful rendering and certainly a very educational post! Well done Charlie!
Thanks Cathe! 😃💕 I know?? Seriously… I would have never imagined learning about how it “tastes”! haha! So glad you liked this one!
vegetarian vampire deer! I like LOL!
I know!! What on earth is up with the fangs, plant-eater?! hehe… thanks Jodi! 💕😃
I like those eyes! Nice.
Very cool, Charlie, quite striking is this one! 😀
Aww thanks!😃💕Isn’t it wild? I had no idea a creature like this even existed!!