In a series of illustrations entitled "Twelve Animals," graphic artist Kentaro Nagai rearranges the world map to create the beasts of the Chinese zodiac.

Twelve Animals, Mouse --
Rat

Twelve Animals, Ox --
Ox

Twelve Animals, Tiger --
Tiger

Twelve Animals, Rabbit --
Rabbit

Twelve Animals, Dragon --
Dragon

Twelve Animals, Snake -- Twelve Animals, Horse --
Snake // Horse

Twelve Animals, Ram --
Sheep

Twelve Animals, Monkey --
Monkey

Twelve Animals, Rooster --
Rooster

Twelve Animals, Dog --
Dog

Twelve Animals, Pig --
Boar

The images shown here are high-contrast black-and-white photos of Nagai's work, which is on display at the Japan Media Arts Festival at the National Art Center, Tokyo until February 15.

- Added: Also check out the animated Flash version of "Twelve Animals" at Graflex Directions. (Thanks, Patomaru!)