Cigar Case with Netsuke of a Fox in Women's Clothing
Artist/Maker
Japanese
Date19th century
MediumSilk brocade (case) and ivory (netsuke)
DimensionsOverall (cigar case): 4 × 3 1/8 × 15/16 in. (10.2 × 7.9 × 2.4 cm)
Overall (netsuke): 1 3/4 × 1 1/8 × 5/8 in. (4.4 × 2.9 × 1.6 cm)
Overall (netsuke): 1 3/4 × 1 1/8 × 5/8 in. (4.4 × 2.9 × 1.6 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Charles F. and Abigail L. Olney
Object number1904.543A-B
Status
On viewThis cigar case is a “hanging thing” or sagemono 提物, attached to one’s belt with a netsuke. Although the carving is rather simple and abstract, the netsuke here is of a fox dressed as a woman. In many Japanese folktales foxes shapeshift into human form to beguile men and women.
ProvenanceCharles F. Olney [1831-1903], Cleveland, OH; by inheritance 1903 to Abigail L. Olney [d. 1904], Cleveland, OH; by bequest 1904 to Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH; by transfer 1917 to Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OHExhibition History
Interrogating Beauties
- Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (February 9, 2021 - August 13, 2021 )
Trickster Spirits: Demons, Foxes, and Tengu in Japanese Folklore
- Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 31, 2025 - August 10, 2025 )
Collections
- On View
- Asian
The AMAM continually researches its collection and updates its records with new findings.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.
We welcome additional information and suggestions for improvement. Please email us at AMAMcurator@oberlin.edu.
late 19th century
late 19th century
late 19th–early 20th century
late 19th century