Vintage Japanese Shigaraki Tanuki Statue, 1990 - 2018 (Heisei) | SKU: 26M-928

Japanese Tanuki Statue | Lucky Raccoon Dog Figurine & Living Room Accent, 1990-2018 (Heisei), SKU 26M-928

A boldly modeled Shigaraki-ware tanuki, richly detailed and brimming with the good-luck symbolism of Japanese folk tradition.

A tanuki is a raccoon dog of Japanese mythology, long celebrated as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and mischievous charm. The Shigaraki tanuki statue is among the most iconic forms in Japanese folk pottery, originating from Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture -- one of Japan's six ancient kiln sites -- where the region's coarse, iron-rich clay lends every piece its distinctive warm, earthy character. This example is hand-modeled in the classic style: the tanuki stands upright beneath a broad, finely incised kasa hat, his rounded belly proudly exposed, one paw clutching a sake tokkuri flask marked with the "hachi" character (a nod to the eight virtues of the tanuki), and the other holding a promissory note tablet -- traditional attributes that together invite wealth, luck, and generosity into the home. The dark-glazed fur is rendered with expressive brushstroke-like texture, contrasting beautifully with the creamy unglazed belly and the warm amber tones of the hat.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese tanuki statue makes an instantly characterful living room accent or entryway figurine -- a statement piece that sparks conversation and brings a warm wabi-sabi aesthetic to any shelf, console, or garden nook. Its compact, stable form works equally well indoors on a bookshelf or display cabinet, or outdoors on a covered patio as a luck-inviting garden ornament. It is a unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate authentic Japanese folk art and vintage Japanese pottery. The hollow interior visible at the back adds an unexpected sculptural quality when viewed from all sides.

• Origin: Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
• Era: 1990-2018 (Heisei)
• Material: Shigaraki stoneware -- coarse iron-rich clay with dark iron glaze, unglazed cream slip, and natural ash tones
• Use: Decorative lucky figurine; traditionally placed at shop entrances and home entryways to invite good fortune
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway accent figure; bookshelf or display cabinet decorative object; covered garden or patio ornament
• Features: Hand-modeled full-round figure; broad incised kasa hat forming a dramatic arched backdrop; expressive textured fur; prominent rounded belly; sake tokkuri flask with "hachi" character marking; promissory note tablet with brushwork inscription; hollow back construction; rich multi-tone glaze in dark brown, amber, cream, and ochre
• Dimensions: 9"W x 6"D x 14"H
• Condition: Good -- consistent with age and use; minor surface marks and small glaze irregularities visible; structurally sound throughout

A joyful piece of Japanese folk art and vintage Shigaraki pottery that brings the warmth, humor, and 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.