Shigaraki Ware Lucky Raccoon Figurine 9.4x6.9x12 in

信楽焼　10号開運狸 24×17.5×30.5cm

Size: 9.4" W x 12" H x 5.5" D

This is a Shigaraki ware raccoon dog figurine, an iconic symbol often associated with good fortune. 

The tradition of making raccoon figurines began with the founder of "Rian," Tetsuzō Fujiwara, who started his business in the early Meiji era. He was inspired by a dream he had while training in Kyoto’s Kiyomizu ware kilns, where he saw raccoons drumming their bellies on the riverbank under the moonlight. Fujiwara was moved to recreate this in pottery. After returning to Shigaraki, he began crafting these figurines, marking the beginning of the Shigaraki ware raccoon tradition.