Confessions Of A Mask

 

From Wikipedia:

"Kitsune (狐, キツネ^?, IPA: [kitsu͍ne] ( listen)) is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore; in English, kitsune refers to them in this context. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom.

According to Yōkai folklore, all foxes have the ability to shape shift into human form.^[1] While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others—as foxes in folklore often do—other stories portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.

Foxes and human beings lived close together in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as its messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has—they may have as many as nine—the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity.

Conversely foxes were often seen as "witch animals", especially during the superstitious Edo period (1603–1867), and were goblins who could not be trusted (similar to some badgers and cats).^[1]"

I have to confess if the sculptural young man above in his fundoshi and kitsune mask beckoned, I would be quite curious about his magical abilities!

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The images below are from a DVD I stumbled across once and can't relocate now... Once I do I will link it appropriately. They portray a younger, more slender man exhibiting an androgynous, even feminine sensuality that exhibits yet another facet of the fundoshi's allure. These comely images also are recall for me the widespread historic practice of shudo, male-to-male sexual relationships between older samurai and younger apprentices, which is certainly a lesser-known aspect of samurai life!

 

This slim young man's intent is certainly seductive, a heady mix of innocence and experience with a measure of slight gender confusion to captivate the viewer. If anyone knows the online shop that carries this model's DVD, please link it in the comments!