Fox Statue at Fushimi Inari Shrine

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James Blake Wiener
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published on 12 January 2018
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The Fushimi Inari Shrine near Kyoto (Heiankyo), Japan is the largest and most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. It is famous for the large number of red gates (torii) at the site. The shrine was founded in 711 CE. In Shinto mythology the fox is Inari's vehicle and guardian. Consequently, the god's shrines may have many statues of foxes, often, like this example, wearing a red bib or ribbon for good luck.

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About the Author

James Blake Wiener
James is a writer and former Professor of History. He holds an MA in World History with a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of World History Encyclopedia and formerly was its Communications Director.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Wiener, J. B. (2018, January 12). Fox Statue at Fushimi Inari Shrine. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7916/fox-statue-at-fushimi-inari-shrine/

Chicago Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Fox Statue at Fushimi Inari Shrine." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified January 12, 2018. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7916/fox-statue-at-fushimi-inari-shrine/.

MLA Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Fox Statue at Fushimi Inari Shrine." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 12 Jan 2018, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7916/fox-statue-at-fushimi-inari-shrine/. Web. 21 Apr 2025.

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