Shigaraki-yaki Tanuki
信楽焼タヌキ
A ceramic tanuki (raccoon dog), an auspicious symbol of prosperity, made in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.
Shigaraki-yaki tanuki are ceramic raccoon-dog figures made of stoneware from Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture. Often placed outside shops and homes, they are considered auspicious symbols of prosperity. Each figure usually features eight attributes linked to business success and moral values.
The tanuki’s large eyes suggest awareness, its smiling face encourages good relationships, and its bushy tail represents stability and success.
There are two versions of the male and female Shigaraki-yaki tanuki. The male can be identified by prominent testicles – a visual pun, as kin from kintama (testicles) can also mean ‘gold’, symbolizing financial luck. He also holds a tokkuri (sake bottle), a play on the term toku (virtue), and a ledger representing trust.
The female tanuki has a red ribbon and holds a large leaf to conceal her body. Both figures wear a woven hat to offer protection from misfortune.
As each piece is handmade, there might be individual differences.
S – 14 x 11 cm
M – 16 x 12 cm
L – 26 x 20 cm
Kansai
The Kansai region includes the second-most populated metropolitan area in Japan with its largest city Osaka. Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan’s former capital cities, are home to important temples and shrines and strongholds of intangible cultural heritage, such as the Kyoto textile weaving skills of Nishijin.
