Antique Japanese Inari Fox — Porcelain, 1920, Taisho Era (SKU: 25S-523-7)

Antique Japanese Inari Fox, Porcelain, 1920s (SKU 25S-523-7)

Charming Taishō-era style pair of porcelain kitsune guardians for the Inari altar or tokonoma

Rendered in bright white porcelain with hand-painted details, this delightful pair of Inari foxes (kitsune) sit upright on vivid vermilion bases, echoing the color of Shinto shrine gates. Each fox raises a single tail capped with gilt, while the other paw rests protectively on a stylized sacred flame, a traditional attribute of the rice deity Inari. Their alert red ears, expressive faces and touches of gold enamel capture the playful yet protective spirit associated with shrine guardian figures.

The rectangular plinths are decorated on all sides with bold black panels and green-and-orange crests, giving these small figures an unusually graphic, almost modern feel while remaining rooted in early 20th-century Japanese design. Ideal as a compact butsudan or kamidana accent, or as a focal point in a kitsune or Inari-themed collection, this antique Japanese porcelain pair brings a sense of folklore, good fortune, and vintage charm to any interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taishō period, circa 1920s (attributed)
• Material: Glazed porcelain with hand-painted enamel and gilt highlights
• Use: Inari shrine or household altar display; decorative kitsune collectible
• Features: Matched pair of Inari foxes on vermilion bases, sacred flame motifs, gilt accents on tails and faces, bold shrine-inspired color palette
• Dimensions: 2 1/4"W x 1 1/4"D x 4 1/2"H per piece
• Condition: Excellent

A refined yet whimsical antique kitsune pair that beautifully evokes the protective presence of Inari within a small, display-ready format.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.