Ivory katabori-type Netsuke depicting Hakuzosu, the fox taking on the appearance of a Buddhist monk. His head is turned to the right, his two human hands resting on a walking stick imitating bamboo. One foot is raised, appearing to sketch a dance step. Hakuzosu is a legendary character from Japanese folklore. It tells the story of a fox in the guise of a monk, trying to convince a hunter to stop slaughtering his fellow foxes. There are several variations on this legend. Two himotoshi have been made in the back for the passage of the inro cord. Unsigned. Japan, mid-Edo period (1603-1868). H. 8.5 cm; weight: 22 g