Collection Spotlight

Detail, Gathering of Foxes at Oji, Utagawa Hiroshige, Japan, Edo period (1615–1867 AD), full-colored woodblock print, ink on paper, 13.125” h x 8.75” w, Gift of the Henrietta Hill Swope Collection, 1981.12.133, Pacific Asia Museum Collection, Photo by Julian Bermudez

In Japanese folklore foxes often appear as divine beings with supernatural powers, closely associated with the Shino rice deity Inari. In Hiroshige’s Gathering of Foxes at Inari (shown left, and in the Gallery of Japanese Art from August 8), foxes congregate on New Year’s Eve under a tree near Oji, Tokyo’s main Inari shrine. The flame-shaped bodies glow against the dark background, creating a great spooky effect.

More playfully, foxes feature in Sumi Foley’s Musubi, (pictured below) now on view in the tokonoma alcove. Hand-stitched from bits and scraps of discarded kimono fabric, the hanging scroll presents a swirling composition representing ocean, heaven and earth. In the clearing stands a kimono-clad white kitsune fox, beckoning to another in red. The color is echoed in the framing that evokes a torii shrine gate.

Sumi Foley, Musubi

The contemporary work “talks” to other foxes that appear in the ongoing Religious Arts of Japan exhibition. In addition to the Hiroshige print, kitsune can be spotted carrying the harvest goddess Inari, solemnly guarding her shrine, figured on a votive ema, or in the scowling countenance of a netsuke toggle. Motoko Shimizu, Assistant Curator

Motoko Shimizu, Curatorial Assistant

Previous Collection Spotlights
Seated Buddha
Ema
Ga’u (Portable Shrine)
Courtesan and Boy Dancing at New Year

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