Japan, an Important Cast Bronze “Double Inari Fox” Kitsune Temple Stamp, 1869

A rare stamp deaccesioned from a Japanese southern temple crafted in an unusual theme consisting of a pair of kitsune inari fox.

Dimensions: 5.75 inches high, 9 lbs

Date: 1869

Fine quality. Original deep brown patina. Traces red cinnabar on bottom stamp.

Photographed in natural day light.

Provenance: private Southern Japanese collection

History of Inari Fox:
Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shape shift into men or women. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others as foxes in folklore often do other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers and wives. Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit and serve as its messengers. This role has reinforced the fox’s supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has, as many as nine, the older, wiser and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity. (Thank you to Wikipedia).

Our gallery has been dealing in authentic Japanese, Chinese, and fine Asian art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. The president personally travels to China, Japan and Europe each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.
We have been dealing in authentic Japanese,Chinese, European, and Asian Fine art, antiquities, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to Japan, Europe and China each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique work of art to ensure its old age, authenticity and quality condition. After accumulating a group, they are imported to Vermont in large containers. This method keeps shipping costs low and enables us to offer them to you at reasonable prices. We ship internationally.