Transformation

Kneeling figure of a Japanese woman in traditional dress.

Height: 12 in. (30 cm)

An original design made from hand-dyed silk. Dressed in a vintage silk kimono and obi.

Body with a wire armature in the hands and arms.

The masks are made from Paperclay.

Sorry, she's been sold— but if you'd like something like her, contact me.

The first in a series of figures which recall Japanese folk tales about foxes and fox spirits.

In Japanese legends, the fox (kitsune) is a shape shifter who delights in playing tricks on humans. One of its favorite transformations is into a beautiful woman.

“Transformation” was inspired by a wood block print, Yoshitoshi's The Fox-Woman Leaving Her Child , which in turn was inspired by this Japanese folk tale:

A female fox was rescued from hunters by a nobleman. The fox transformed herself into a beautiful young woman and followed the man home. She told him her name was Kuzu-no-ha. They were married and she lived with him for several years. Eventually she bore him a child, after which, she left.

“Transformation” shows the moment when Kuzu-no-ha, still in human form, is about to change back into a fox. She sits contemplating what she is about to do.