In Japanese culture, the white fox — the Byakko — is the purest manifestation of the Kitsune.In Japanese culture, the white fox — the Byakko — is the purest manifestation of the Kitsune. Messenger of Inari, kami of rice, harvest, and good fortune. The Miko rides with it: shrine maiden, spiritual intermediary, guardian of the threshold between worlds.
Takatoshi Hayashi gave it four wheels.
Hand-lathe-turned wood, hand-painted detail. The amber eye of the fox. The wheels carry Kitsunebi — fox fire, painted in red. The Kokeshi knows the route. The fox rolls. Divine errands, delivered.
Takatoshi Hayashi draws on his background in a family kimono business to create a contemporary Kokeshi language of his own. His work reflects textile patterns and traditional design while introducing playful figures, animals and imaginative wooden vehicles.
