Vintage Japanese Shiragaki Tanuki Statue, 1946 - 1965 (Mid Showa) | SKU: 26M-700

Japanese Tanuki Pottery Vase | Lucky Figurine Planter & Living Room Accent, 1946-1965 (Mid Showa), SKU 26M-700

A hand-modeled stoneware tanuki figurine vase -- a beloved Japanese good-luck icon rendered in rich, rustic pottery with fine incised detail.

A tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog) is one of the most cherished symbols of good fortune in Japanese folklore, traditionally associated with prosperity, joyful living, and a touch of mischief. This handcrafted stoneware figure captures the classic tanuki pose -- a rotund belly prominently displayed, a wide straw hat (kasa) fanning out behind the figure, a sake flask and coin purse at its side, and a string of beads across its chest. The face is modeled with expressive, lively detail, including inset glass eyes that give the piece a warm, watchful character. The reverse of the hat disc reveals a hollow opening, confirming this piece was also designed to function as a vase or ikebana flower holder -- a delightful dual purpose common in mid-century Japanese decorative pottery. The unglazed, heavily textured stoneware body in deep iron-brown tones with amber highlights reflects the wabi-sabi aesthetic valued in Japanese antique craft.

Today, this vintage Japanese tanuki pottery piece makes a wonderful living room accent or shelf display in a Japandi-style or minimalist decor setting. Place a single dried stem or sprig of greenery through the opening in the hat to use it as a compact ikebana vase, or simply display it as a freestanding figurine on a bookshelf, entryway console, or garden windowsill. Its earthy, sculptural quality pairs naturally with natural wood surfaces and neutral tones. A truly unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese antique ceramics and folk art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: Stoneware pottery; unglazed textured body with partial amber glaze accents; inset glass eyes
• Use: Decorative tanuki figurine; secondary function as a small ikebana or flower vase via opening in the hat
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway accent figurine; compact ikebana vase for a single dried or fresh stem; unique shelf display in Japandi or wabi-sabi style decor
• Features: Fully hand-modeled tanuki figure with wide kasa hat, protruding belly, sake flask, coin purse, and bead string; expressive face with inset glass eyes; incised texture detailing throughout; hollow opening on reverse of hat disc for use as a vase; rich iron-brown stoneware body with amber glaze highlights
• Dimensions: 6"W x 5"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A charming piece of vintage Japanese folk pottery that brings good fortune, wabi-sabi warmth, and sculptural character to any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.