Okano, Haruko

2023.005.085.JPG.jpg

Description

Kitsune Inari, 1998
Mixed media
3 X 4 X 2 1/2" OVERALL
`The Women Beyond Borders Art Collection includes over 900 self styled wooden boxes reflecting on a specific woman's self-identity using a variety of multi-media processes. This box details Inari the Japanese kami (a type of god or spirit in the Shinto religion) of prosperity, tea, agriculture (especially rice), industry, and smithing. This deity has many faces and has changed over time and is more recently associated with foxes, called kitsune, who act as Inaris messengers and receive protection in return. The fox appears to be female and rides in the box and dons a smiling grin with various ornaments hanging over her seated figure.

Date

1998

Creator

Okano, Haruko
b. Canada

Source

Women Beyond Borders Art Collection founded by Lorraine Serena

Identifier

2023.005.085

Citation

Okano, Haruko and b. Canada, “Okano, Haruko,” UCSB ADA Museum Omeka, accessed December 6, 2025, http://art-collections.museum.ucsb.edu/items/show/17278.