Decorative Tanuki 狸 Statue, Shigaraki Pottery, Shōwa Period, Japan.

Cheerful Tanuki Statue made of Shigaraki Pottery. Tanuki is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore.

Dimensions: height 30 cm, width 20 cm, depth 16 cm.

This tanuki is made of coarse, earthy Shigaraki clay, with a rough texture that is partially glazed.

The Tanuki is a mischievous Japanese raccoon dog with magical powers, a big belly, a (significantly) enlarged scrotum, and a bottle of sake.

In Japan, these Tanuki statues are placed at the entrance of homes, shops, and restaurants as a bringer of good luck, protection, and prosperity.

Tanuki belong to the yokai. According to most stories, they are very mischievous, masters of disguise, capable of shapeshifting, but also easily deceived.