Vintage Japanese Wooden Ornament, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-689-3

Japanese Inu Hariko Dog Figurine | Decorative Shelf Accent & Unique Gift, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-689-3

A hand-carved lucky dog ornament adorned with ceremonial rope, brocade, and brass bells -- a charming piece of vintage Japanese folk craft.

An inu hariko is a traditional Japanese good-luck dog figurine, long associated with safe childbirth and the protection of infants -- the word "inu" (dog) was believed to ward off evil and ease delivery, making these figures popular offerings at Shinto shrines and beloved gifts for expectant mothers. This Late Showa example takes a distinctive sculptural form: the body is carved from a warm-toned hardwood into a bold, geometric silhouette with a faceted head and four sturdy legs rendered in a stylized folk-art manner. The expressive face -- with inlaid dark bead eyes, a carved nose, and a characteristically solemn expression -- lends the piece an endearing, almost totemic quality typical of handcrafted Japanese antiques from this era.

What makes this piece especially striking is its elaborate ceremonial dressing. A thick braided rope -- recalling the shimenawa cords found at Shinto shrines -- encircles the neck and rises in looping forms above the head, evoking sacred protection. The body is draped in layered fabrics including a vibrant red brocade with gold motifs, a navy patterned textile, and a woven lattice panel trimmed with a gold tassel fringe skirt. Brass jingle bells hang at the sides on red silk cord tassels, adding an auspicious, celebratory note. This richly ornamented vintage Japanese folk art figurine makes a striking living room accent, a meaningful shelf display in a Japandi-style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interior, or an exceptional gift for collectors and Japanophiles.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Carved hardwood body; braided natural rope; red and gold brocade fabric; navy patterned textile; woven paper lattice trim; gold tassel fringe; brass jingle bells; red silk tassels
• Use: Decorative good-luck dog figurine (inu); traditional Shinto-inspired auspicious ornament associated with safe childbirth and protection
• Modern Use: Decorative shelf or mantle accent; living room or entryway display in a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled home; unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors
• Features: Geometrically faceted carved hardwood form; inlaid bead eyes; looping braided rope crown recalling shimenawa; layered ceremonial brocade and textile drapery; woven lattice panel; gold tassel fringe skirt; brass bells on red cord tassels
• Dimensions: 4"W x 7"D x 5"H
• Condition: Good -- natural aging and light wear to rope and textile consistent with age; wood and overall form intact and display-ready

A deeply characterful piece of vintage Japanese folk art that brings Shinto symbolism, handcraft tradition, and warm decorative presence 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.