A large pair of temple foxes carved from granite. The Inari foxes come complete with separate plinth bases. This pair of Kitsune (foxes) is finely rendered with ears pricked back, tail upright, with paws and hinds seated on its bases. The stone Imari foxes have bryophyte moss growth which is now dormant. The granite has a blackish grey ombre patina due to its age being left to oxidize in the elements.

Inari is a popular diety associated with foxes, rice, household wellbeing, business prosperity and general prosperity. Their entrances are marked by vermillion Torii gates in both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The fox on the right holds a ball in his mouth, a symbol of the God. The fox on the left holds a scroll symbolizing a message from the God. In nature, foxes destroy rodents that would otherwise consume the rice crops. Inari foxes; however, are said to enjoy fried bean curd.

The red apron on the fox is a sign of benevolent divinity which also appears on Buddhist statues and other shrine deities as examples from the Asakusa Kannon Temple in Tokyo. In Japanese folklore, the fox can also be a malevolent spirit. Sometimes they even take the form of a beautiful woman to lure unsuspecting wanderers to be tricked.

The Kitsune has a dual meaning depending on the context. Its most positive attribute being a protective divinity figure and a spirit to harness prosperity.

Age: Late Edo Period (mid 19th century)

Dimensions: 36" high x 14 1/4" wide x 23" deep (including base)