Kanayi Kunhiraman (born 25 July 1937) is an Indian sculptor, best known for his outsize sculptures such as Yakshi of Malampuzha Dam Gardens, Sagarakanyaka at Shankumugham Beach and Mukkola Perumal trinity in Kochi.

[2] Kunhiraman was born on 25 July 1937 at Kuttamath in Hosdurg Taluk of Kanhangad in Kasaragod District of the south Indian state of Kerala.

[6] On his return to Kerala from Chennai, Kunhiraman was commissioned by the irrigation department of Kerala, on recommendation from K. C. S. Paniker,[7] for an art work to be installed at the Malampuzha dam garden and he created Yakshi, a 5.5-metre (18 ft) statue of a naked woman, sitting on the lawns; the sensuality of the sculpture drew protests from traditionalists.

[6] Amma in Payyambalam, Akshara Shilpam in Kottayam,[11] Conch, Seats, Nandi and Embrace at Veli Tourist Village,[12] are some of his other works.

[20] Lalit Kala Akademi, the national academy of India for fine arts, published a book on Kunhiraman's works in 2008.