East Asia, Japan, Edo Period, ca. 1603 to 1868 CE. An intriguing gunpowder flask formed from the tanned scrotum of the Japanese Tanuki (also Japanese Raccoon Dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus). The bulbous vessel has a broad lower body, an expanded neck, an open spout with a cow bone stopper, and a woven carrying strap with a burl wood ornament. Tanuki are interesting canines that have a special place in Japanese folklore as being descended from the "bake-danuki," a type of shape-shifting spiritual being in Japanese mythology known as "yokai." They are also quite popular in folk art, dancing traditions, and even video game series like Super Mario. Size: 3" W x 5.75" H (7.6 cm x 14.6 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in January 2015; ex-private Onomichi, Hiroshima, Japan collection

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#152084

Carrying strap is likely modern. Minor abrasions to flask body, stopper, and burl wood, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout. Some original hair remains on flask body.