Fox Priest c. early 19th century

"Fox Priest" is a small ivory netsuke, a traditional Japanese toggles used to fasten pouches to sashes. It was carved by Yoshitada, a Japanese artist, and is estimated to date from the early 19th century. It depicts a fox dressed as a Buddhist priest, a popular subject in Japanese folklore. The intricate detail in the carving, particularly in the fox's features and the folds of the robe, demonstrates the artist's skill and the importance of netsuke as both functional and artistic objects. This netsuke, currently held in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers insight into Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship during the Edo period.