Inari foxes
ca. 18th-19th century
Inari 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.
Low-fired ceramic with paint
25 x 11 x 17 in. (63.5 x 27.9 x 43.2 cm)
Gift of Steiner-Helsby Family Foundation
2021.31.1
Provenance: [Gene Zema Architectural Office and Gallery, Seattle, Washington]; purchased by Carlyn Steiner, Seattle, Washington, ca. 1985; to Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 2021
Photo: Scott Leen