Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Tanuki Statue, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-755

Japanese Tanuki Statue Shigaraki Pottery | Lucky Figurine & Living Room Accent, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-755

A hand-modeled Shigaraki-ware tanuki with abacus and sake flask -- a classic symbol of good fortune and prosperity in Japanese folk tradition.

A tanuki is a Japanese raccoon dog long celebrated in folklore as a bringer of good luck, financial success, and joyful abundance. Shigaraki-yaki (Shigaraki ware) tanuki statues are among the most beloved expressions of this tradition, produced in the Shigaraki region of Shiga Prefecture -- one of Japan's six ancient kiln sites -- where the local iron-rich clay yields the warm, earthy tones that define the style. This example is hand-modeled in the classic format: a wide-brimmed sedge hat (kasa) framing a broad, expressive face with inset white-glazed eyes, a prominently rounded belly, and the two most auspicious accessories -- a tokkuri sake flask tucked under one arm and an abacus (soroban) held aloft in the other paw, together symbolizing generosity and shrewd fortune in business. Incised fur texture covers the dark brown body, while a white slip glaze pools across the chest, and a glazed maker's tablet on the side carries a painted inscription. The hollow, open base is typical of hand-built Shigaraki tanuki and confirms its hand-crafted origins.

This cheerful vintage Japanese pottery figurine is a natural conversation piece for any living room accent shelf, entryway console, or home office desk -- its good-luck symbolism making it equally at home beside a plant, on a windowsill, or anchoring a wabi-sabi aesthetic vignette. A compact and characterful piece, it also works beautifully as a garden or porch accent in a sheltered spot, continuing the long Japanese tradition of placing tanuki near the entrance of homes and shops to welcome prosperity. With its warm earthy palette and hand-crafted charm, it makes a distinctive housewarming gift or a standout addition to any collection of Japanese antique pottery and folk ceramics.

• Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Shigaraki stoneware clay; iron-rich body with white slip glaze on belly, amber-brown ash glaze on hat, incised surface texture, painted maker's tablet
• Use: Decorative good-luck figurine; traditionally placed at shop or home entrances to attract prosperity
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway accent decor; home office desk ornament; unique housewarming gift for collectors and Japanophiles
• Features: Hand-modeled form with incised fur texture throughout; wide sedge kasa hat; inset white-glazed eyes; rounded belly with white slip glaze; soroban (abacus) held in one paw; tokkuri sake flask under opposite arm; glazed cartouche with painted inscription on side; hollow open base typical of hand-built Shigaraki-yaki
• Dimensions: 5"W x 7"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A handcrafted piece of Japanese antique pottery steeped in folk tradition -- bringing the warmth, humor, and good-luck spirit of Shigaraki-yaki into 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.