Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Tanuki Statue, 1990 - 2018 (Heisei) | SKU: 26M-081 (26M-081-1)

Japanese Tanuki Shigaraki Statue | Lucky Raccoon Dog Figurine & Garden Accent, 1990-2018 (Heisei), SKU 26M-081-1

A boldly sculpted Shigaraki-ware tanuki brimming with folk charm and good-fortune symbolism

A tanuki is a raccoon dog -- a beloved trickster spirit in Japanese folklore -- and the Shigaraki tanuki statue is one of the most recognizable forms of Japanese ceramic folk art. Produced in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, a kiln town with over 1,200 years of pottery history and one of Japan's six ancient kilns, these figures are hand-sculpted from coarse, iron-rich Shigaraki clay and fired to produce their characteristic warm, earthy tones. This example displays all of the classic eight lucky attributes: the broad woven kasa hat shielding against misfortune, the wide grinning face expressing good cheer, the generous belly symbolizing bold decisiveness, the tokkuri sake flask and a money pouch carried at the side -- all rendered with exceptional sculptural detail including hand-tooled fur texture, expressive inlaid eyes, and brushed calligraphic script on the promissory note tucked under the arm. The matte dark-brown body contrasts with a creamy off-white glaze on the belly, and the hat displays natural kiln-fire color variation typical of authentic Shigaraki pottery. The back of the hat reveals an open hollow -- a hallmark of traditional large-format Shigaraki tanuki construction. This is a fine example of handcrafted Japanese ceramic folk art from the Heisei period.

In a modern home, a Shigaraki tanuki of this scale makes a striking living room accent or entryway statement piece -- a centuries-old tradition that Japanese households and shop owners still follow today, placing tanuki at the entrance to invite good luck and prosperity. Its wabi-sabi aesthetic and earthy Japandi palette pair naturally with natural wood furniture, linen textiles, and potted greenery. It works equally well as garden decor on a covered porch or veranda, as a conversation-starting focal point on a bookshelf or console table, or as a unique housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese antiques and folk ceramics. Whether displayed indoors or out, this characterful figure brings warmth, humor, and a genuine piece of Japanese cultural heritage into any space.

• Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Shigaraki stoneware clay with natural iron-rich body; partial off-white glaze on belly and note tablet; matte dark-brown slip on body; unglazed kasa hat with natural kiln-fire coloration
• Use: Decorative lucky figure (tanuki) for home, shop entrance, or garden -- a traditional Japanese good-luck charm symbolizing prosperity and good cheer
• Modern Use: Entryway or living room accent figure; covered garden or porch decorative statue; unique housewarming gift for Japanophiles and folk art collectors
• Features: Hand-sculpted full-round figure; broad kasa hat with detailed radial ribbing and open hollow reverse; expressive wide-eyed grinning face with inlaid eyes; hand-tooled fur texture across body; prominent rounded belly with glazed finish; money pouch and sake flask carried at sides; brushed calligraphic script on promissory note tablet; classic eight-lucky-attributes iconography; textured unglazed base
• Dimensions: 17"W x 9"D x 26"H
• Condition: Excellent

A joyful and auspicious piece of Japanese ceramic folk art -- this Shigaraki tanuki brings the timeless spirit of good luck and handcrafted tradition 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.