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
On View
Not on view
883–859 BCE
