Set of Two Vintage Japanese Ceramic Tanuki, 1970s

Charming pair of vintage Japanese tanuki, made in glazed ceramic and most likely dating from the 1970s.

Dimensions: height 17 cm. Width of the male tanuki 17 cm, width of the female tanuki 15 cm. Depth both: 12 cm.

Both tanuki wear a straw hat and hold a small good-luck plaque at the front with the text 開運, kaiun, a Japanese expression associated with luck, prosperity and good fortune. The male tanuki has a darker finish and classic details such as a sake bottle and broom. The female tanuki has a softer appearance, with a bow, green kimono-style accents and her own good-luck plaque.

Tanuki are among the best-known Japanese good-luck symbols and are traditionally associated with prosperity, hospitality, protection and business success. This small pair has a warm, playful presence and is particularly decorative as a set.

Beautiful on a cabinet, counter, bookshelf or in a display case, as a Japanese good-luck symbol and atmospheric vintage interior accent.

Both figures are in good vintage condition, with normal signs of age and use consistent with their age, material and function.