Sakura Kitsunes are graceful and peaceful creatures, they tend to change their appearance with the seasons. The natives believe these kitsunes bring the change of seasons with them, often leaving out offerings as a thank you. Bearing marks on their faces of the different seasons, the Sakura Kitsune has the mark of the cherry blossom on it's face. These kitsunes have a sweet scent bringing a sense of comfort to the villages it visits.
Sakura Kitsunes are found throughout the world and can only be found during the spring season.
My kitsune doll is heavily influenced by Japanese mythology so I wanted to incorporate a story line that is a major part of Japanese tradition and as it is spring here in Australia now, I decided to go with a spring inspired kitsune. I also wanted to have a softer doll that represented something beautiful. I drew my inspiration from the sakura, or cherry blossom tree, with the subtle pink and white colouring of the blossoms. I decided on a pale pink for the blossoms on the face of the kitsune as I thought a stronger pink would be too overwhelming for the doll.
Hanami has a resin face and paws that were cast from an original sculpture hand crafted by me. Her body is made from mongolian faux fur which was designed and sewn by me, she has a wire armature inside making her fully poseable, her face was furred by hand and painted in acrylic paints.
Hanami is approximately 30 x 18cm head to tail.
Hanami will be up for grabs in my Etsy shop this Friday between 9-10am AEST. Alternatively you can check me out on my social media pages below. Also check out my Society6 and Redbubble shop for prints and more.