Netsuke in form of skeleton holding fan and Tanuki the badger

Ivory netsuke, in the form of a skeleton, holding a fan in one hand and Tanuki the Japanese raccoon dog in the other, Japanese, 1701-1900

Tanuki is a mischievous figure in Japanese mythology. He is a Japanese raccoon dog, a shapeshifting creature often associated with trickery, good luck, and fun.

Netsuke are toggle-like ornaments. They hang objects such as medicine boxes or tobacco pouches from the sash of a kimono – a traditional form of Japanese dress. Netsuke carving is a form of miniature sculpture which developed in Japan over several hundred years. They were often beautifully decorated with elaborate carving, lacquer work, or inlays and were usually made from wood, ivory or porcelain.