Vintage Japanese Wooden Tanuki Statue - 1940s Showa Era (25D-165)

Vintage Japanese Wooden Tanuki Statue (SKU 25D-165)

Hand-carved wooden tanuki statue with rustic Showa-era charm and folk-protective presence.

This solid wood sculpture depicts the beloved Japanese tanuki, the mischievous raccoon dog of folk legend, standing upright with rounded belly, sake flask and straw hat. Deep hand-chiseled strokes suggest fur and texture, while the natural knots and grain of the timber are left visible, giving the piece an earthy, mingei (folk craft) character ideal for a genkan or alcove display.

Carved kanji on the hat and flask, along with the exaggerated anatomy and prayer-bead necklace, follow the classic Shigaraki-style tanuki iconography associated with prosperity and good fortune for shops and homes. Time-softened surfaces, small age cracks and wear at the edges attest to decades of handling and shrine or storefront use, lending an authentic vintage warmth that newer reproductions cannot match.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Showa period, mid-20th century (vintage)
• Material: Hand-carved hardwood with natural finish
• Use: Folk altar or genkan ornament, shopfront good-luck tanuki, interior decor accent
• Features: Standing tanuki figure with straw kasa hat, sake flask, prayer-bead necklace, carved kanji inscriptions and richly textured chisel work; warm patina with visible wood grain and knots
• Dimensions: 5 1/2"W x 7 1/2"D x 16"H
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with age cracks, small losses and wear consistent with use, stable and structurally sound

A characterful vintage tanuki that brings an authentic touch of Japanese folk tradition and playful good fortune to any space.

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.