This is a sculpture that I created after visiting Japan for the first time. It's inspired by the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, the main shrine of Inari, the deity of rice and harvest. The pictures below are photos that I took of the actual shrine, which use symbols reflected in this piece. Pictured in this sculpture is a Kitsune, a Japanese fox spirit who serves Inari, the tori gate (there are over 10,000 in the actual shrine!) and a pond with a koi fish who represent balance and tranquility. The Kitsune in this sculpture watched the koi fish with admiration and content, while she guards the tori gate which leads to a tree of stars, representing the ethereal quality of nature's magic and wonder.

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The sculpture itself is made of polymer clay, wire, faux fur, and painted with acrylics. it stands about 12" tall from the top of the tree, and about 8" wide.

For me, this sculpture represents the magic and wonder that I felt visiting such a spiritual place; I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I enjoyed making it!