Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Porcelain Tiger Figurine (Tora), Mid-Showa era, 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0428

Vintage Japanese White-Glazed Porcelain Tiger Figurine (Tora), Mid-Showa era, 1946-1965 | SKU: 26J-0428

A boldly sculpted white-glazed porcelain tiger -- a powerful auspicious symbol of courage and warding energy -- presented in its original tomobako wooden storage box.

A tora figurine is a traditional Japanese ceramic sculpture depicting the tiger, one of the most revered symbols in East Asian culture, prized for its association with strength, protection, and good fortune. This exceptional example from the mid-Showa era is rendered entirely in a luminous all-white glaze, a treatment that strips away color to let the modeler's skill speak for itself. Every surface rewards close inspection: the deeply incised fur flows in rhythmic parallel strokes across the haunches and back, the mane fans outward in layered coils around a fiercely expressive face, and the open snarling mouth reveals individually formed fangs and teeth of remarkable sharpness. The tail curls forward alongside the body, its rope-like twists executed with the same disciplined hand. This is handcrafted Japanese ceramic art at a high level -- the kind of vintage Japanese figurine collected by serious admirers of mid-century studio pottery and Japanese vintage decorative arts alike.

At nearly nine inches tall, this tora makes an immediate statement in any interior. Display it on a living room mantel or console as a sculptural focal point, where its glassy white surface catches and reflects light beautifully against darker woods or natural linen textiles -- a natural fit for Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic interiors. It would be equally at home anchoring a home office bookshelf or entryway table, where the tiger's protective symbolism adds intentional meaning beyond pure decoration. The piece ships with its original tomobako -- a hand-inscribed cedar storage box bearing bold calligraphy of the character for "tiger" alongside red seals and kiln or artist notations -- making the set a complete collector's object and a truly unique gift for Japanophiles or collectors of vintage Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1946-1965 (Mid Showa)
• Material: White-glazed ceramic (porcelain); original tomobako wooden storage box with hand-brushed calligraphy and red seals
• Use: Auspicious decorative display piece; tora (tiger) figurine for the home or tokonoma alcove
• Modern Use: Living room sculptural accent; home office or bookshelf statement piece; entryway decor with protective symbolism
• Features: All-over high-gloss white glaze; finely modeled fur with incised linear detailing across body and haunches; open snarling mouth with individually formed fangs; coiled rope-like tail resting to the side; small black accent marks on eyes; seated pose with curled tail resting alongside body; accompanied by original tomobako box inscribed with the character for "tiger," red stamp seals, and calligraphic kiln or artist notation
• Dimensions: 8"W x 6"D x 9"H
• Condition: Very good -- minor surface dust and slight glaze speckling consistent with age; no chips or cracks noted; tomobako box shows light wear appropriate to its age

A striking piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this white porcelain tora tiger brings commanding presence, protective symbolism, and collector-quality craftsmanship to any modern interior.

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.