Vintage Japanese Eto Wall Tile with Dog, Sanshū Ibushi-gin, 1980s

A decorative Japanese wall tile in silver-grey relief, made in traditional ibushi-gin ceramic with a powerful dog motif.

Dimensions: height 28.5 cm, width 29 cm, depth 7 cm.

This Japanese eto tile dates from the Shōwa period, ca. 1980s, and is made from a ceramic material related to traditional Japanese roof tiles. The silver-toned ibushi-gin finish gives the object a subtle metallic sheen and beautifully emphasises the deep relief of the dog.

The design depicts 戌, inu, the dog from the Japanese eto zodiac. Such tiles were often used as engimono: decorative lucky objects symbolising protection, household safety, and good fortune. The Japanese characters also refer to Nansō Satomi Hakkenden and Yatsufusa, the legendary dog from this classic Japanese tale.

The object is in very beautiful used condition. There are a few small chips on one side, but these are barely visible when hung and not disturbing. The original cord on the back makes the tile ready to hang.

A distinctive Japanese wall object with a strong graphic presence. Beautiful as a symbolic interior accent above a cabinet, in an entrance hall, on a narrow wall, or as part of a collection of Japanese ceramics and folk art.