Untitled

Unknown

19th century · Wood · Asian Art

This netsuke shows a scene from the Kabuki play Yoshitsune Senbon-Zakura. Tadanobu, a fox in human form served as a faithful retainer to the Minamoto military leader Yoshitsune. After the Minamoto victory over the Heike clan, Yoshitsune fell into a power struggle with his brother and was forced to flee. Tadanobu brought Shizuka, a noted dancer who was also Yoshitsune's love, to his hiding place in Yoshino. Shizuka carried with her the drum known as "Hatsure", which was made from the skin of Tadanobu's parents. After Yoshitsune discovered Tadanobu's real identity, he presented him with the drum.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1910