In September of 2015 myself and my fiance visited Japan and traveled to several different locations including Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Takayama, and Kanazawa. My most recent netsuke carving at the time accompanied us on our travels. This was a carving of a fox disguised as a priest which gave me great pleasure to make. I was also very pleased with the results and had taken it with me to show anyone who may be interested as I made my way round visiting netsuke collectors and dealers.
Unfortunately the fox priest had better ideas and finally gave me the slip in Kanazawa. I can only imagine now he is completing some pilgrimage or has taken up residence with a kindly Japanese family. Either way I wish him the best.
Here are the only recorded pictures of him, before completion and enjoying the view from the Park Hyatt Tokyo
ADAM BLAND 