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Asian Art

Auction begins to close:
December 04, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET

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LOT 340

Lot 340

A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century

A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century
Lot 340 Details
A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century

江户时期 17世纪 民艺木雕水盆旁的狐狸像

Carved with a container lined with copper, possibly previously used for ikebana flower arrangement or as a goldfish basin
height 16.5 in — 42 cm

Estimate $600-$800

Realised: $625
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

More Details Below   更多关于此拍品信息如下   ↓

Lot Report

Additional Images
A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century
  • A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century
  • A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century
  • A Mingei Wood Figure of a Kitsune Fox at a Water Basin, Edo Period, 17th Century
Note:

Expressively carved in the Mingei tradition, this evocative figure depicts a fox spirit (kitsune) contemplating its reflection—seen not as an animal but as a beautiful young woman—within a pond or mirror encircled by its sweeping tail.

Revered and feared in Japanese folklore, kitsune are shapeshifters capable of both benevolence and mischief. Those aligned with Inari, deity of the rice harvest, were believed to guide, protect, or reward humankind.

The gentle features and serene posture of the present carving suggest a benevolent spirit, capturing a moment of transformation with elegant restraint and narrative clarity.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

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LOT 340
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.