White fox. Kawanabe Kyosai. Japanese

I captured this beautiful "warrior" fox at Zao Fox Village in Japan! http://ift.tt/2C7aXGZ

Ohara Koson Fox between reeds near moonlit water. Date: ca. 1930. Size: Oban. Approximately 15.0 x 10.5 inches. Publisher: Kawaguchi and Sakai. Seal in left margin. Reference: No. S41.4, p. 212 in "Crows Cranes and Camellias: The Natural World of Ohara Koson" (Reigle Newland). Condition: Very good. Toning line evident at margin. A rare design.

Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox, and all foxes are magical, and belong to the Yokai (supernatural) world. Their main talent is the ability to change shape; they can look like anyone, regardless of age or gender. This power (according to legend) manifests when they are one hundred years old; with every hundred years they acquire a new tail as a sign of their age and power. The wisest, strongest, most magical members of the race are the kyubi no kitsune, or nine-tailed foxes; when they…