Nō actor in the role of Inari

Ivory netsuke depicting an actor in the role of Inari the Fox God. The actor is kneeling and in his right hand holds a swordsmith hammer behind his back while holding the kimono sleeve with his left. On his head he wears a hat with the figure of the fox. The character is related to the theatrical drama that sees Inari go to assist the swordsmith Kokaji Munechika to make a sword for the Emperor. The netsuke is finely carved and with a nice patina.
The signature is engraved on a red lacquer tablet.

Signed Yoshiyuki (?)

夜 之

Meiji Period (1850-1912)

Height 4 cm.

Item no. N 178