Inari fox
Date19th century
Maker
Japanese
Label TextInari foxes are messengers of the god Inari, protector of agriculture. Usually depicted in white, Inari foxes are often seen with a ball of flames or a key that indicates their supernatural potency. A particularly popular god among the commoners of Edo (today’s Tokyo), Inari is honored with small shrines in many neighborhoods of the city.
Object number98.47.23.1
Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Flights of Fancy: Natural and Supernatural Images In Japanese Art, Dec. 9, 1998 - Aug. 1, 1999.
Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Deities and Demons: Supernatural in Japanese Art, Oct. 20, 2022 - ongoing.Credit LineBequest of Frank D. Stout
DimensionsOverall h.: 14 in.
Overall w.: 7 in.
Overall d.: 5 1/4 in.
MediumBronze, pearls, and gilt
Object number: 89.178