Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Tanuki Statue, 1990 - 2018 (Heisei) | SKU: 26M-082

Japanese Tanuki Shigaraki Statue | Lucky Charm Garden Figurine & Living Room Accent, 1990-2018 (Heisei), SKU 26M-082

A boldly expressive Shigaraki-ware tanuki -- a beloved symbol of good fortune, rendered with extraordinary sculptural detail and raw folk energy.

A tanuki is a raccoon dog figure deeply rooted in Japanese folklore and one of the country's most iconic good-luck symbols. Traditionally placed at the entrance of homes, restaurants, and izakaya, the tanuki is said to bring prosperity, good cheer, and protection to its owner. This exceptional example is crafted in the Shigaraki tradition -- one of Japan's oldest and most celebrated ceramic lineages, originating in Shiga Prefecture -- and displays the rough, earthy clay body and bold hand-tooled surface texture that distinguish authentic Shigaraki pottery from mass-produced imitations. The figure is rendered with remarkable character: a wide-eyed, open-mouthed expression full of wild energy, a broad straw hat (kasa) with a richly glazed amber-brown rim, a rotund belly symbolizing financial well-being, and a gnarled staff adorned with what appears to be a small green frog figure at the top -- an auspicious detail adding layers of folkloric meaning. A sake tokkuri (flask) hangs at the side, and brush-painted calligraphy decorates the lower body. The finely incised fur texture covering nearly every surface demonstrates the skilled hand of a practiced Shigaraki ceramicist.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese tanuki statue makes an irresistible conversation piece for a living room accent shelf, entryway console, or covered garden terrace. Its wabi-sabi aesthetic -- earthy, imperfect, and full of personality -- fits naturally within Japandi-style interiors, eclectic maximalist spaces, or any room that welcomes folkloric art and vintage Japanese craft. The hollow base (visible in the underside image) also makes this piece suitable as a planter for a small succulent or air plant, adding a playful living element to its already vivid presence. Whether displayed indoors or in a sheltered outdoor nook, this is a truly unique gift for collectors, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates the depth and humor of Japanese folk art.

• Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Shigaraki stoneware; natural clay body with amber-brown, cream, and celadon green glazes; hand-incised surface texture throughout
• Use: Decorative good-luck figurine; traditionally placed at entranceways of homes and businesses as a symbol of prosperity and welcome
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway accent sculpture; sheltered garden or patio decorative focal point; small indoor planter via hollow base opening
• Features: Expressive open-mouthed face with wide glazed eyes; deeply incised fur texture across the entire body; large amber-glazed kasa (straw hat) with scalloped rim; gnarled staff with green-glazed frog finial; hanging sake flask; brush-painted calligraphy on lower body; hollow base with maker's stamp visible on the underside
• Dimensions: 9"W x 12"D x 19"H
• Condition: Excellent

A masterwork of Japanese folk pottery -- this Shigaraki tanuki brings the warmth, humor, and good fortune of traditional Japanese craft 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.