Smokie Statue

Smokie Statue

Tanuki is a legendary animal in Japanese culture, often depicted as a creature that resembles both a raccoon and a dog, with magical shape-shifting abilities and a playful personality. They occupy an important place in Japanese folklore and culture and art, and are often seen as symbols of good luck and abundance.
19th century Japanese ivory root sculpture "Mother of Ghosts Capturing Ghosts"

19th century Japanese ivory root sculpture "Mother of Ghosts Capturing Ghosts"

This artifact is an ivory root sculpture called "Ghost Mother Capturing Ghosts", created by a Japanese artist in the 19th century. This is a small Japanese root knot sculpture, usually made of ivory, used to decorate and secure the waistband of a kimono. It is currently housed at the Minneapolis Museum of Art in the United States. This piece depicts a ghost mother catching a ghost with a hat. Guizimu is a deity in traditional Chinese culture, believed to be the god who drives away ghosts. His image is usually depicted as a agile warrior holding a sword, with a stern face, chasing or capturing demons.