Netsuke in form of Tanuki the Japanese raccoon dog

Ivory netsuke, in the form of a tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog), beating on his grossly distended stomach, Japanese, 1701-1900

In Japanese folklore, the tanuki, or Japanese raccoon dog, is a mischievous and shape-shifting creature, often depicted as a trickster. They are believed to have supernatural abilities, including the capacity to transform into humans or objects.

Netsuke are toggle-like ornaments used to hang objects, such as medicine boxes or tobacco pouches, from the sash of a kimono – a traditional form of Japanese dress.