Netsuke, Tanuki as a Priest

There are numerous animals in Japanese folklore that get up to mischief as imps. They were often used as motifs in netsuke from the 18th century. Many Japanese myths and legends are based on the metamorphosis of animals into humans. The Tanuki (a badger-like animal) was said to have the ability to change into humans; here it has taken the form of a priest. The transformation was intended as a denunciation of bigoted monks who misused their status for their own purposes. (Barbara Til)