At a Glance
In stock. Ready to ship from Japan.
You will receive the exact Inari statue shown in the photos: a hand-carved guardian fox made from granite (Natsuyama Stone). Tracked air shipping by UPS or DHL.
Specs
| Title | Inari Statue (Right) — Gray Granite Stone Fox | Shipping from Japan | Japan |
|---|---|
| Maker | Tomatsu Stone Works |
| Stone | Natsuyama Stone (Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan) |
| Finish | Natural stone finish. Black areas are biotite (a natural mineral). |
| Pieces | One piece |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 12.01 in × 7.48 in × 4.53 in (30.5 × 19 × 11.5 cm) |
| Weight | 17.42 lb (7.9 kg) |
| Year made | 1997 |
| Shipping | Air (UPS / DHL), tracked |
Product Description
Gray Fox Inari Shrine Statue (Right) carved from Natsuyama Stone, a granite quarried in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
1997 model. You will receive the exact fox shown in the photos. The dark/black areas are natural biotite within the granite.
What This Inari Statue Represents
At Inari shrines in Japan, foxes (kitsune) are not worshiped as gods themselves. They are regarded as divine messengers of Inari Ōkami, associated with agriculture, fertility, business success, and prosperity. In this context, an inari statue is often seen as a protective presence at entrances and along shrine paths.
Placement Guide for a Japanese Garden
- Near an approach: Place it near a gate, entry path, or the beginning of a garden approach to suggest guardianship.
- Pair concept: At many shrines, guardian foxes appear as a pair. This listing is for the right statue.
- Outdoor use: Granite is highly weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor placement.
Right vs Left in Traditional Shrine Pairs
At many Inari shrines, the guardian foxes are placed as a pair. The right fox is often described as the “A” form (mouth open), sometimes shown holding a key or jewel. This listing is for the right statue.
About Natsuyama Stone
Natsuyama Stone is a granite known for its calm bluish-gray tone, fine grain, and uniform texture. These qualities support detailed carving while remaining durable for long-term outdoor use.
- Color: bluish-gray
- Texture: fine grain suitable for precise carving
- Durability: strong resistance to weathering
About Tomatsu Stone Works
Tomatsu Stone Works is a stone workshop founded in 1902. The fourth-generation master, a graduate of an art university, specializes in carving Buddhist statues, guardian lion-dog statues (komainu), busts, and dragon sculptures. The studio also produces stone artworks upon request from other Japanese stonemasons.
Shipping Notes
- Carrier: UPS or DHL (air)
- Tracking: included
- Customs: import duties/taxes may apply depending on your country
- Exact item: you will receive the statue shown in the photos
Photo Collection from Shrine Visits
If you want to see how Inari fox statues appear in real shrine settings in Japan, please see my photo collection:
Inari Fox Statues: A Photo Collection from My 2025 Shrine Visits in Japan
FAQ
Is an Inari statue the same as an Inari fox statue?
In everyday usage, the term inari statue often refers to a fox statue associated with Inari shrines. Foxes are understood as messengers of Inari Ōkami.
Can this granite statue be used outdoors?
Yes. Granite is commonly used outdoors and is resistant to weathering. Natural surface changes over time are part of the stone’s character.
Why is this listed as “Right”?
Many guardian figures are placed as a pair. This listing is for the right statue as a set concept.
Do you ship the exact item in the photos?
Yes. You will receive the exact statue shown in the photos.
