Japan, a fine pair of antique tall white, red, and black hand painted ceramic shrine fox kitsune, Taisho period, circa 1920.

Hard to find style.

These are of a rare style seldom encountered. Please note the unusual red bases depicting red and black natural organic plants or trees and each fox’ forward leaning posture. One holds a jewel and the other a key in its mouth; each set onto an integral rectangular base. Pairs of these foxes typically stand guard outside and under protected entrances to Japanese shrines sacred to Inari, Kami deities of rice, fertility, and agriculture. The sacred jewel and storehouse key held in their mouth promise good fortune and prosperity to all who enter.

Dimensions: 10 inches high and 8 inches wide.

Provenance: Private collection Kyoto. Ex Shinto shrine.

Wonderful sinuous castings, old patina and rare opportunity.

History:
Kitsune (?, ????, IPA: [kitsu?ne] (listen)) 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 Yo¯kai 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. Each fox grips food

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 they may have 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).

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.

Schneible fine arts has been dealing in authentic Japanese Fine art, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for 25 years. Our president personally travels to 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.

We are members of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) specializing for ten years now in old and authentic Japanese ornaments.