Among Japanese antiques, few figures are as charming and culturally rich as the Tanuki—the folkloric raccoon dog known for its humor, good fortune, and playful nature. This vintage bronze figurine beautifully embodies the Tanuki’s unique character, combining decorative appeal with deep cultural symbolism rooted in Japan’s traditional beliefs and merchant culture.
The Story Behind This Figurine
In Japanese folklore, the Tanuki is a cheerful and mischievous creature believed to bring luck and prosperity. During the Edo period, Tanuki statues were often placed at storefronts or entrances of homes as a symbol of business success and household protection.
This particular figurine holds a tokkuri (sake flask) and a wooden tag. While the tokkuri is a traditional sake vessel, it also carries symbolic meaning—the word “tokkuri (徳利)” plays on the phrase “toku wo eru (得を得る),” meaning “to gain virtue” or “to acquire blessings.” In this context, the Tanuki holding a tokkuri represents not only material fortune but also the aspiration to cultivate moral virtue.
The wooden tag is equally significant. During the Edo period, merchants and customers used a “kayoi-chō” (通帳)—a shared ledger or account book—to track purchases and payments. Settlements were typically made monthly or annually, and these records were based on trust and mutual credit. The tag held by the Tanuki can be seen as a symbol of that trust-based economy, reminding us of the importance of honor and integrity in traditional Japanese commerce.
Highlights and Unique Features
- Material: Bronze with a warm reddish-brown patina
- Design: A round-bellied Tanuki with a cheerful face, holding a tokkuri and wooden tag
- Signature: Artist’s seal engraved on the figure, with calligraphy on the original wooden box
- Craftsmanship: Finely detailed fur, natural balance, and expressive features
This is not just a decorative item, but a three-dimensional expression of Japanese values, humor, and belief in auspicious symbols.
Why It Appeals to Collectors
For collectors of Japanese bronze works, Meiji to Showa-era craftsmanship, or folkloric symbolism, this piece is rich in meaning. Its combination of cultural puns (“tokkuri = to gain virtue”) and historical references (the kayoi-chō ledger as a symbol of trust-based transactions) makes it particularly valuable to those seeking not just an object, but a story.
With the original signed wooden box and artist’s mark, this figurine also stands as a highly collectible piece, suitable for display in home interiors, tea rooms, or as part of a well-curated Japanese art collection.
Conclusion and Where to Find It
This Tanuki figurine represents a harmonious fusion of Japanese humor, prayer, and honest commerce. For those in search of a piece with meaning—something that speaks not only to the eye but to the heart and mind—this is an excellent choice.
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