Vintage Japanese Tanuki Statue - 2000s Heisei Era (25D-425-3)

Vintage Japanese Tanuki Statue, 2000s, Heisei Era (SKU 25D-425-3)

Charming Heisei-era ceramic tanuki for luck, prosperity, and playful character.

This vintage Japanese tanuki statue is hand-formed in warm, iron-rich stoneware with a cream-hued slip over the belly and face, creating a lively contrast that highlights its rounded form. The classic attributes of the folk-hero raccoon dog are all here: wide, watchful eyes, a generous belly, and a woven kasa hat flowing down the back, evoking the welcoming figures seen outside shops and homes across Japan.

Painted accents in deep charcoal and indigo pick out the sake flask at the tanuki’s side and bold calligraphic characters on the scroll, while incised fur lines and textured details give the piece a tactile, sculptural presence. Ideal as an ofuro-side accent, genkan guardian, or focal point in a Japanese-inspired display, this Heisei-era figure brings a touch of humor and traditional engimono (good-luck charm) energy to any interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Heisei era (2000s, vintage)
• Material: Glazed stoneware ceramic
• Use: Interior decor, engimono / good-luck ornament, shelf or alcove (tokonoma) display
• Features: Hand-sculpted vintage tanuki statue with textured fur, cream slip-glazed belly, painted sake flask and calligraphy, traditional kasa hat, and expressive folk-art styling typical of Heisei-era ceramics
• Dimensions: 9"W x 7"D x 10 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light, age-appropriate wear to glaze and base

A delightful, characterful piece for collectors of Japanese folk art and anyone seeking a playful symbol of luck and prosperity.

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.