White Foxes Carrying a Coffer by Yoda Chikkoku

White Foxes Carrying a Coffer c. 1840

print, ink, color-on-paper

toned paper

light pencil work

water colours

ink painting

print

japan

handmade artwork painting

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

underpainting

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

"White Foxes Carrying a Coffer" is a handscroll painting by the Japanese artist Yoda Chikkoku (1790-1843), dated circa 1840. The scroll depicts a group of anthropomorphic foxes carrying a large, rectangular chest. The foxes are dressed in traditional Japanese clothing and are shown running in a single file line. The scroll is a humorous and whimsical work that highlights Chikkoku's mastery of line and brushwork. The scroll is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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In Shinto beliefs, foxes are messengers of the gods and protectors of shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of grain. They are thought to turn white with age and to be supernaturally powerful. Here five foxes are shown carrying a large container with the aid of a shoulder pole. Two foxes-one in front and the other in the rear-seem to be shouting. They might be calling out rhythmic time to help synchronize their movements. Since foxes serve the god of grain, it is likely their box is filled with rice. Its weight is suggested by their postures. A full box is auspicious, as it suggests a bountiful harvest. Since magical foxes are believed to have the ability to emit fire, the red spots at the ends of their tails represent their mysterious flames.