Tanuki (Japanese Racoon Dog) with a Sake Bottle and Bills for Sake 1750 - 1799

Curator: Welcome. Today we're looking at a delightful little sculpture crafted between 1750 and 1799 by Garaku. The artwork is titled, "Tanuki (Japanese Racoon Dog) with a Sake Bottle and Bills for Sake." You'll notice it's made of carved wood. Editor: Okay, my first impression is... that little raccoon dog looks like he’s had a rough night! He's all rumpled and clinging to his sake. It’s got a definite, “oops, maybe one too many” kind of vibe, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. The Tanuki is a fascinating figure in Japanese folklore—often depicted as jovial and a bit mischievous. In this particular rendition, the Tanuki appears to be quite literally weighed down, both by the sake bottle and those bills for sake! The choice to portray him with the evidence of his indulgences presents a potent visual statement on pleasure versus responsibility, perhaps even on the class disparities connected to this pursuit, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Absolutely! And look at the way the wood is carved. The folds of his ‘hat’ – is that supposed to be a hat? – have so much texture, such detail. You can almost feel the rough morning he’s experiencing. Someone clearly had a sense of humor but they also put an immense level of skill and love into this tiny piece, no? Curator: Precisely. Netsuke carvings like this one served a practical purpose, acting as toggles for securing pouches to kimonos, as pockets were not traditionally included. Therefore the form is as essential to its design, as is the expression of Japanese attitudes toward class, commerce, and perhaps the consequences of pleasure! What kind of societal pressures might it have revealed to those wearing this object? Editor: It definitely challenges societal expectations through humor. Like, you imagine someone wearing this, thinking, "Yeah, everyone enjoys a good time," while also subtly nodding to the burden those good times can create, for the raccoon and maybe themselves, right? It is a fun way to invite some complicity from those that recognize the situation they too have maybe been there. Curator: I'd agree. And considering that this piece is at The Met in New York City, its presence here adds another layer of complexity. By moving the sculpture across time and geography, does it prompt fresh dialogues? Editor: Definitely, the playful take on responsibility connects to our contemporary dilemmas just as well, doesn’t it? Food or alcohol dependence, any spending urges we battle now -- Garaku just uses that sake-loving Tanuki to mirror those temptations in a truly charming way. Curator: Indeed, it's a work that sparks lots of important contemporary discussions when we consider its context. Thank you for your insights. Editor: Thanks. This hungover raccoon just became way more profound!