Moon on the Musashi Plain

Artist Tsukioka Yoshitoshi 月岡芳年 (Japanese, 1839–1892)

DateApril 1, 1892

Mediumwoodblock print, ink and color on paper

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund

Terms

Object number2002.204

DescriptionA magical animal in Japanese folklore, the fox is capable of transforming into human figures by putting magical weeds on its head, though its true form is always revealed in its reflection. Foxes usually put their powers to mischievous rather than malevolent ends, often transforming into beautiful women and making fools of men who try to seduce them. However, some of the most famous and dangerous women in East Asian history were believed to have been such transformational foxes.
Label TextA magical animal in Japanese folklore, the fox is capable of transforming into human figures by putting magical weeds on its head, though its true form is always revealed in its reflection. Foxes usually put their powers to mischievous rather than malevolent ends, often transforming into beautiful women and making fools of men who try to seduce them. However, some of the most famous and dangerous women in East Asian history were believed to have been such transformational foxes.ProvenanceKatie and Scott McDonald, Rochester, NY

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