Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Tanuki Statue With a Frog, 1990 - 2018 (Heisei) | SKU: 26M-681 (26M-681-2)

Japanese Tanuki Shigaraki Statue | Lucky Charm Figurine & Home Accent, 1990-2018 (Heisei), SKU 26M-681-2

A cheerful Shigaraki-yaki tanuki holding a frog -- a rare and whimsical symbol of good fortune in the Japanese folk tradition.

A tanuki is the iconic Japanese raccoon dog, long celebrated in folklore as a bringer of good luck, prosperity, and mischief. Shigaraki-yaki tanuki statues -- fired in the famous Shigaraki kilns of Shiga Prefecture, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns -- have been a staple of Japanese shop entrances and home gardens for centuries, believed to invite wealth and ward off misfortune. This Heisei-era example is a particularly playful variation: rather than the traditional tokkuri flask, the tanuki cheerfully raises a glossy green ceramic frog, itself a symbol of good luck and safe return in Japanese culture. He wears a wide kasa (woven straw hat) rendered in warm amber glaze with finely incised basketweave texture, while his rotund belly -- the classic emblem of carefree abundance -- is finished in smooth cream glaze with subtle relief detailing. A small tama (lucky ball) rests at his side, and a fan-shaped sake bill is tucked under one arm. The dark, richly textured fur body and expressive wide-eyed face are characteristic of Shigaraki's bold, earthy aesthetic, making this a standout example of vintage Japanese folk pottery.

In today's home, this handcrafted Japanese tanuki figurine makes a wonderfully characterful accent piece for a living room shelf, entryway console, or indoor garden vignette. Its compact, freestanding form suits a Japandi-style display alongside natural materials, or adds a dash of wabi-sabi charm to a minimalist decor setting. The combination of earthy browns, cream, and vivid frog green gives it visual pop whether displayed indoors or in a covered outdoor space. It also makes a unique and memorable gift for collectors of Japanese antiques, fans of Japanese folklore, or as a housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates a touch of good luck in their home.

• Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Shigaraki-yaki stoneware with polychrome glazes -- dark brown, amber, cream, and green
• Use: Decorative good-luck figurine for home, shop entrance, or garden display
• Modern Use: Living room shelf accent, entryway lucky charm display, or garden-themed indoor vignette
• Features: Tanuki figure holding a glazed green frog; wide kasa hat with incised basketweave reverse; rotund cream-glazed belly with relief detail; lucky tama ball at side; fan-shaped sake bill; finely textured fur body throughout; all-around sculptural finish
• Dimensions: 9 1/2"W x 7"D x 12"H
• Condition: Excellent

A joyful piece of Japanese folk pottery that brings the warmth of Shigaraki craftsmanship and the good-luck spirit of the tanuki 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.