Bertha Lum: Fox Woman (Sold)

  • Sold.

Artist: Bertha Lum
Title: Fox Woman
Date: 1916

Fantastic blend of western Art Nouveau and Japanese folklore. Foxes in Japan occupy a unique role in their folklore and mythology. Inari shrines with fox protector figures are seen throughout Japan, and it is said that some women had the power to shapeshift into foxes-- we see numerous stories about this in kabuki plays in the Edo Period. Bertha Lum herself wrote “When the moon is full foxes have the power to take human shape. Tongues of flame always appear above supernatural foxes.” (See Gravalos/Putin, page 40.)

Condition: Very good impression and condition. Good color.
Dimensions: 43 x 26.8 cm
Publisher: Self-published
Literature: Gravalos/Pulin catalog number 38. See LOC, MIA, FAMSF, Brooklyn Museum.
Signature: Signed in pencil: Copyright 1916 by Bertha Lum. and “no. 98”

SKU: LUC011S