Japanese bronze of a tanuki. The tanuki is depicted here dressed as a Buddhist priest, wrapped in a cloak, holding a rosary in its right paw and lying on a bell.
The tanuki (raccoon dog) is a legendary Japanese animal endowed with magical powers. It can transform itself at will, playful by nature, it uses its long tail to hide, or to confuse its enemies. The tanuki is both a real animal and a yōkai. It is a species of canid that lives in the forests of Japan. With its small head, pointed ears, and thick fur, the tanuki resembles a raccoon more than a dog. Unfortunately, the raccoon dog is also hunted for its highly prized fur.

Inscription underneath: “made by Masamitsu” (正光作). It may be the work of Yamashita Josetsu (山下如雪) on account of its elaborate style. He was a pupil of Ōshima Jōn (1858–1940, 大島如雲). The latter exhibited at the 2nd National Industrial Exhibition in 1881, the Paris Universal Exposition of 1900, and the Japan–British Exhibition of 1910. He taught metal casting from 1918 to 1932 at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts). His favored students were reportedly allowed to adopt, as part of their artist’s name, one character from his own name. The “Jo” (如) in Josetsu shares the same character as that of Jōn.

Made by Masamitsu (Yamashita Josetsu)
Japan – Taishō era (1912–1926)
Height: 10 cm – width: 18.5 cm – depth: 15 cm