Tanuki Raccoon Dog Statue | Hand-Carved Japanese Mythology Ash Wood Lucky Figurine

In Japanese mythology, the Tanuki is one of the most beloved and mischievous creatures in the entire world of yōkai. Part raccoon, part dog, entirely magical — the Tanuki has been a fixture of Japanese folklore for centuries, appearing in stories as a shape-shifter of extraordinary ability, a lover of sake, a bringer of luck, and a cheerful trickster who plays jokes on the pompous and the greedy. In the ancient religions of the Japanese islands, Tanuki were revered as gods and rulers of nature. Today, their rotund, grinning statues stand outside homes and shops across Japan — welcoming prosperity, warding off misfortune, and reminding all who pass that life is better approached with a sense of humour. This Tanuki Raccoon Dog Statue honours that tradition in hand-carved ash wood, shaped with care in our family workshop.

Statue Characteristics

• Material — Ecological Ash Wood: Sustainably sourced ash provides a tight, even grain that holds fine figurative carving beautifully.
• Finish — Hand-Applied Lacquer: A protective lacquer finish seals the wood and enhances its natural warmth.
• Dimensions — 9.2" H × 4.1" W × 2.6" D (23.5 × 10.5 × 6.8 cm): A tall, slender figurine — perfect for a shelf, desk, or altar display.
• One-of-a-Kind Design: Each piece is unique due to natural wood grain and tone — no two are exactly alike.

Symbolism of the Tanuki

• Shape-Shifter — the Tanuki is the second most famous shape-shifting animal in Japanese mythology after the Kitsune; its transformations are powerful but often comic, reflecting its cheerful, mischievous nature
• Luck & Prosperity — Tanuki statues are placed outside homes and businesses across Japan to attract good fortune, new opportunities, and financial success
• The Sake Lover — the Tanuki is famously fond of sake; no good sake, the saying goes, can be made without its presence — making it a symbol of celebration and the good life
• Spirit Guide — as a spirit guide, the Tanuki brings creativity, critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in any new environment or situation
• Divine Nature — in the ancient religions of the Japanese islands, Tanuki were considered gods and rulers of everything in nature — a status that gives even the most playful Tanuki a deeper, sacred dimension

If the Tanuki speaks to you — its laughter, its luck, its refusal to take the world too seriously — this statue belongs in your space. It serves as a joyful focal point alongside the other mythological creatures in our Japanese collection and the sacred animals in our Animal figurines collection, bringing the spirit of Japanese folklore into your home. Like all our hand-carved pieces, this Tanuki is designed to start conversations and bring a smile to every room it enters.

🌍 Shipping & Global Delivery

We ensure your artisan carvings reach you safely through our global network of makers:

• European Union: EU orders are shipped directly from our Studio in Spain. Shop items in stock in Spain →
• United States: Orders for the USA are shipped from our USA Warehouse for rapid domestic delivery. Shop items in stock in the USA →
• Global & Availability: For all other international countries, or in cases where the item is currently unavailable in our Spain or US locations, your statue will be handcrafted and shipped with care from our primary Workshop in Ukraine.

Returns & Exchanges

We gladly accept returns and exchanges.

• Contact us within 30 days of delivery
• Ship items back within 30 days of delivery
• Detailed return information here

About the Brand

There's a rich story behind every piece we make. If you have a couple of minutes, we'd love for you to read about Art Carving and see how we work.

Care & Notes

Colour shades and textures may vary slightly from photos depending on your screen settings. To clean, simply wipe with a dry towel or tissue. The design is an original artwork created exclusively by our team — you won't find it anywhere else.