Fox Priest c. early 19th century

Yoshitada carved this small ivory netsuke of a fox priest, sometime in the 19th century in Japan. This netsuke, worn as a toggle to suspend personal items from a kimono sash, presents an intriguing example of cultural and religious syncretism. The fox, or kitsune, is revered in Japanese folklore as a messenger of the Shinto deity Inari, associated with rice, prosperity, and agriculture. Here, the fox is dressed as a priest, reflecting the fusion of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs common in Japan. Looking at the Edo and Meiji periods, we see this image taps into the social anxieties and religious pluralism of the time. The netsuke may be a commentary on the changing religious landscape, or even a satirical representation of religious authority. As historians, we examine primary sources, religious texts, and folklore archives, to explore the complex interplay of culture, religion, and social commentary embedded within this small, but significant artwork.