An exceptionally fine and rare Arita porcelain model of a howling Japanese kitsune (Guardian Fox), a divine messenger of the goddess Inari (Shintō deity of prosperity and success), enamelled in black, iron-red, red wash, and turquoise green with gilt highlights
Arita kiln, Kakiemon related, Hizen province, Japan
Edo period (early 18th century)
Description
Powerfully and naturalistically modelled with sinuous twisting form, seated with upraised head turned to the right, ears pricked and mouth agape revealing teeth and tongue. The bushy tail and paws incised with realistic fur markings, the upturned tail terminating in a gilded hoshi no tama (spirit ball containing the soul of the kitsune). An iron-red collar with attached gilded bell modeled around the neck. Left forepaw protectively concealing a gilded jade-coloured treasure urn resting on the left hindpaw.
Measurements
22cm. high; 18cm. long; 8.5cm. wide
Note: Appears to be a previously unrecorded model. Of this model, there are at present no other recorded examples that have been found.
ConditionGenerally very fine, original condition with an extensive original firing flaw leaving kiln debris & faults to mouth area and extending to right eye.
No restoration evident under UV light.
Flat pad bottom with textile imprint.
An exceptionally rare 18th C Arita model of a howling Guardian fox (kitsune)
PRICE UPON REQUEST
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Comparable Models
Modelling style of the present unrecorded example is comparable to the following known models:
‘A pair of rare and important seated kirin enameled in the Kakiemon style, late 17th century’ Christie’s (London); ‘A Kakiemon model of an elephant, late 17th century’ Sotheby’s (London) 3 Nov 2020; ‘A porcelain model of a shishi, late 17th century’ Christie’s (New York) 15 Sept 2010; ‘A rare pair of Kakiemon models of karashishi, late 17th century’ Christie’s (London) 7 Nov 2012; ‘The Palmela Kakiemon Elephants: a pair of fine and rare Kakiemon elephants, late 17th century’ Sotheby’s (London) 5 Nov 2019; ‘A rare Arita model of a cat, 17th century’ Christie’s (London) 10 Nov 1988; ‘A pair of porcelain models of Chinese Lions, late 17th century’ Christie’s (New York) 18 Mar 2008; Kakiemon model of a Stag (sika), late 17th century 23cm; ‘A pair of ko-Imari shishi, early 18th century Bonhams (London); ‘A Japanese porcelain spotted puppy, Arita 1670-90’ Christie’s (London) 21 Mar 2015; ‘An Arita model of a hound, late 17th century’ Sotheby’s (London) 6 Nov 2018; ‘A rare pair of Arita cars, late 17th/early 18th century’ Christie’s (London) 13 May 2008; ‘A rare Kakiemon model of a monkey, late 17th century' Christie’s (The Somlyo private sale).
Closely related models
A late 17th century Arita model of a seated cat, 13.0cm high, porcelain with overglaze enamels in black red and gold, Liechtenstein Collection, collection number PO 2516.
(Japan, Edo period (1603-1868), late 17th century, Seated cat, PO 2516, in: Liechtensteincollections, Collections Online, https://www.liechtensteincollections.at/en/inv/PO02516)