Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Tanuki Statue, 1990 - 2018 (Heisei) | SKU: 26M-681 (26M-681-1)

Japanese Tanuki Statue | Lucky Raccoon Dog Figurine & Home Decor Accent, 1990-2018 (Heisei), SKU 26M-681-1

A cheerful Shigaraki-ware tanuki brimming with good fortune symbols -- a beloved Japanese ceramic folk art treasure.

A tanuki is a raccoon dog figure deeply rooted in Japanese folklore as a bringer of good luck, prosperity, and transformation. Shigaraki ware, fired in the kilns of Shiga Prefecture, is the most celebrated tradition for producing tanuki statues, and this example showcases the style at its most expressive. The figure is depicted in the classic pose -- wide straw hat (kasa) overhead, a sake bottle (tokkuri) slung at his side, a large rounded belly wrapped in a green rope sash, and a lucky coin medallion (fuku coin) clutched in one paw. A pair of finely modeled frogs -- one amber, one vivid green -- perch beside the coin, adding an extra layer of folk charm. The face is rendered with warmth and humor: wide glassy eyes, a grinning open mouth, and carefully incised fur texture across the dark-glazed body. This is a fine example of handcrafted Japanese ceramic folk art, with the lively polychrome glazing and rich surface detail that collectors seek in vintage Shigaraki tanuki.

In a modern home, this tanuki statue makes a wonderfully characterful living room accent or entryway figurine -- placed near a front door in keeping with the traditional Japanese custom of displaying tanuki for good luck and a warm welcome. Its compact, rounded form fits naturally on a bookshelf, a kitchen windowsill, or a garden patio in Japandi-style decor. It also makes a unique housewarming gift or a standout piece for collectors of Japanese folk pottery and vintage ceramics. Whether displayed solo or grouped with other ceramic figures, its joyful expression and dense symbolic detail invite a second look every time.

• Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Shigaraki stoneware with polychrome glaze
• Use: Decorative folk ceramic; traditional good-luck figurine displayed at home entrances and in shops
• Modern Use: Entryway accent for good luck, living room or bookshelf display, unique housewarming gift
• Features: Classic tanuki pose with straw kasa hat, large rounded belly with green rope sash, sake tokkuri bottle, lucky fuku coin medallion, two finely modeled ceramic frogs, incised fur texture throughout, dark brown and cream polychrome glaze, glazed coin with brushwork maker's mark on reverse
• Dimensions: 12"W x 10"D x 15"H
• Condition: Good -- minor chips noted to the body; please refer to all images for detail.

A joyful piece of Japanese antique folk pottery that carries centuries of good-luck symbolism 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.