Vintage Japanese Tanuki Wood Figurine, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0779-2

Vintage Japanese Tanuki Wood Figurine, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0779-2

A hand-carved sugi wood tanuki with dramatic grain, inset eyes, and natural hemp cord collar -- a beloved symbol of good fortune in Japanese folk tradition.

A tanuki figurine is a traditional Japanese good-luck ornament depicting the raccoon dog, one of the most beloved trickster spirits in Japanese folklore. Long placed at the entrances of shops and homes to invite prosperity and ward off misfortune, the tanuki is instantly recognizable by its round belly, wide-brimmed straw hat, and cheerful expression. This handcrafted Japanese folk art piece is carved from sugi (Japanese cedar), and the woodworker has made exceptional use of the material -- the pronounced, swirling grain flows dramatically across every surface, forming bold concentric rings on the belly and wavy ribbons across the hat and body. Inset eyes add a lively, watchful gaze, while a natural hemp cord collar encircles the neck in the classic style. A partially legible maker's mark is burned into the lower side, lending an air of provenance to this vintage Japanese craft piece.

Compact and richly textured, this tanuki figurine is a natural conversation piece for any modern interior. Display it on a bookshelf or entryway console as a wabi-sabi aesthetic accent, or pair it with other wooden folk objects for a curated Japandi style vignette. Its warm honey-brown tones and sculptural grain make it equally at home on a living room accent shelf, a home office desk, or a meditation corner. It also makes a unique housewarming gift or a thoughtful gift for collectors of Japanese vintage figurines and vintage folk art.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Sugi wood (Japanese cedar) with inset eyes and natural hemp cord
• Use: Decorative good-luck ornament; traditional tanuki folk figurine displayed in homes and shops
• Modern Use: Bookshelf or entryway accent; Japandi style decor vignette; unique housewarming gift for collectors
• Features: Fully hand-carved seated tanuki form; large round straw-style hat; bold swirling and concentric wood grain throughout; inset round eyes; natural hemp cord collar; partially legible burned maker's mark on lower side
• Dimensions: 5"W x 5"D x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A charming piece of vintage Japanese folk art that brings the warmth, character, and good-luck spirit of the tanuki 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 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.