Description

Japanese antique carved boxwood figure of Soko-tanuki. Here he is disguised as a monk with a large temple bell. The story goes that a tanuki (who is famous for his shapeshifting abilities) worked in the temple for many years. One day while he was taking a nap, he was caught in his original form. But the kind monks allowed him to stay and continue his hard work as a page in the temple.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 8 3/4″ high (11 3/4″ high with bell striker in hand)