A Tanuki Incense Burner - Bronze, Taisho Period, 1920–30 #106

This incredible incense burner is shaped like a Tanuki. Bronze with a brown patina, circa 1920 or slightly earlier. Minor signs of wear. A foundry mark on the base.
The tanuki could shapeshift to play tricks on humans or trigger paranormal phenomena. Originally, its cult (dating back to the 8th century) was linked to esoteric Buddhist practices. The tanuki was a *yōkai* (malevolent spirit) viewed as a demonic force that possessed men and could only be overcome through Buddhist precepts.
For instance, it might kill an old woman and trick her husband into eating her, or lure people in before hanging them by the neck. It might also transform into a woman to drive men to despair.
Since the 1950s, however, it has been regarded as a creature that is mischievous rather than dangerous.
Its iconography includes a hat (a symbol of protection against disaster) and physical attributes that it can inflate to use as percussion instruments or transform into a shield. Its large belly symbolizes calmness and boldness.
Weight: 3.7 kg.