Vintage Japanese Tanuki Figurine, Ceramic, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0760

Vintage Japanese Tanuki Figurine, Ceramic, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0760

A large-scale folk ceramic tanuki -- Japan's beloved raccoon dog of good fortune -- rendered with bold hand-incised texture, rich dark glaze, and cheerful lucky symbolism.

A tanuki figurine is a traditional Japanese lucky charm depicting the raccoon dog (tanuki), a beloved trickster spirit long associated with good fortune, conviviality, and business prosperity. Typically displayed at the entrance of shops and restaurants or in the home, the tanuki is recognized by its eight auspicious traits -- most visibly represented here by its broad straw hat, prominent round belly, and the accessories it carries: a ceramic sake flask suspended on one side by a jute cord, and a promissory note tablet on the other, both painted with bold calligraphic characters evoking abundance and trust. This handcrafted Japanese folk ceramic is a fine example of Showa-era tansu production, its hollow stoneware body coated in a dramatic two-tone glaze -- deep espresso brown over the fur and hat, with cream-white applied to the belly and accessories -- and enlivened throughout by densely incised fur-texture lines worked by hand before firing. Flashes of green glaze pooling at the base and torso add further depth and character consistent with traditional kiln firing techniques.

At nearly two feet tall, this statement-sized tanuki figurine brings an unmistakable warmth and personality to any modern interior. Stand it beside a front door or entryway as an eye-catching living room accent and conversation piece in the spirit of its original role as a welcoming good-luck guardian. Its sculptural form and wabi-sabi aesthetic make it equally at home anchoring a Japandi style shelf display, garden porch, or reading nook. For collectors of vintage Japanese craft and folk ceramics, this is a standout acquisition -- and a truly unique housewarming gift or gift for Japanophiles who appreciate the depth of Japanese folk tradition rendered in tactile, handmade form.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Glazed stoneware ceramic; dark brown and cream glaze with hand-incised fur texture; jute cord accessories
• Use: Decorative lucky charm (tanuki figurine); traditionally displayed at shop or home entrances to invite prosperity and good fortune
• Modern Use: Entryway or porch good-luck accent; living room or shelf statement sculpture; unique housewarming gift for collectors of Japanese folk art
• Features: Large broad-brimmed straw hat; prominent round belly; suspended ceramic sake flask with calligraphic character; calligraphy-painted promissory note tablet; densely hand-incised fur texture overall; two-tone dark and cream glaze with green glaze pooling at base; hollow body construction with open top; original jute cord attachments intact
• Dimensions: 14"W x 8"D x 25"H
• Condition: Excellent -- minor glaze wear consistent with age; jute cords intact; no chips or cracks noted

A charismatic piece of vintage Japanese folk ceramic art that carries centuries of good-luck tradition into any modern home with warmth, humor, and handcrafted charm.

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.