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

Beautifully weathered Tanuki statue made of Shigaraki pottery, 1970s, Shōwa period, Japan.

This Tanuki statue, crafted from Shigaraki clay, represents a mythical creature from Japanese folklore.

Dimensions: height 37 cm, width 23 cm, depth 22 cm.

Made from glazed Shigaraki clay, the Tanuki exudes rustic charm.

The Tanuki is a mischievous Japanese raccoon dog with magical powers, featuring a round belly, an enlarged scrotum, and a sake bottle.

In Japan, Tanuki statues are placed at the entrances of homes, shops, and restaurants for luck, protection, and prosperity.

Tanuki belong to the yokai, mythical creatures known for their mischief, mastery of disguise, and shapeshifting abilities, but they are also easily tricked.