Decorative Tanuki Figure, Shigaraki, Japan, 1970s

Characterful Japanese ceramic tanuki figure from Shigaraki, a renowned pottery region in Japan known for its traditional decorative good luck figures.

Dimensions: H 40.5 × W 23 × D 20 cm

The tanuki, a Japanese raccoon dog from Japanese folklore, is regarded as a symbol of good fortune, prosperity and wealth. The figure wears a broad straw hat and carries a sake bottle and a pouch, traditional attributes associated with prosperity and trust in business.

The sculpture features warm brown tones contrasting with a lightly glazed belly. Finely detailed textures, expressive facial features and playful elements give the piece a lively character.

Traditionally, tanuki figures are placed at the entrances of shops, restaurants and homes to welcome good fortune. Today, this sculpture also makes a distinctive decorative accent in a Japanese, wabi-sabi or eclectic interior.

Good condition with minor signs of wear, areas of glaze wear and natural irregularities in the ceramic.