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Rumiko, Japanese fox spirit
Japanese mythology is rich with interesting creatures and characters. Even normal, everyday animals often have interesting traits and stories associated with them. The kitsune, or fox, is one of the more well-known commonplace animal that has strong ties to mythology. Foxes are tied to the rice god Inari, and so are thought to be fond of rice. Spirit-foxes guard Inari's temples. They are said to be tricksters with a bit of a cruel streak, luring people to their deaths by leading them astray with fox-fire, or using their skills in illusion magic to fool people. One tale speaks of man tricked by a pair of kitsune ladies playing a game of Go - he stopped to watch, and by the time the game was over, decades had passed and the man's friends and family were long dead. Rumiko is meant to be one of the fox-spirits. Though she has a mischivous streak like any other kitsune, she's retired from the mean-spirited antics of her younger kin. She's older and wiser, preferring to play the role of the old wisewoman than playing pranks on foolish mortals. The costume was done as a partial suit - though my intent was to always wear a yukata or kimono over the pieces that make up Rumiko, she could be worn with everyday clothing as well. The head was made using fairly standard mascot-style costume techniques, though without the really cartoony look. The base is plastic canvas, with the fur glued and sewn into place over top. The eyes were painted on screening, then put into place in the mask. The gloves, feet and tail followed fairly simple patterns that were whipped up for the purpose of making the costume. Pictures: Mask Pictures:
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