Japanese Seto Ware | Tanuki Sake Bottle | Lucky Raccoon Dog | Tokkuri Decanter | Ceramic Pottery | Handmade | Japan Folklore | Barware Decor

The Story Behind This Piece:

When we hear the term "Seto-yaki," we are reminded that "Setomono" has become synonymous with ceramics in Japan—a testament to its overwhelming history and reliability. As one of the Six Ancient Kilns of Japan, Seto in Aichi Prefecture boasts a millennium of tradition dating back to the Heian period. While Seto is world-renowned for its sophisticated tea wares, the piece presented here is a different kind of masterpiece: a crystallization of "Mingei" (folk art) values, representing the joy and prayers of everyday life. This "Fuku Tanuki Tokkuri" (Lucky Raccoon Dog Sake Bottle) bears the powerful marks of handcrafting from the early to mid-Showa era (1930s-1950s). The unique shrinkage of its glaze and the delicate crazing carry the profound aesthetic of "wabi-sabi"—a beauty that cannot be calculated or replicated.
This sake bottle was discovered in the storehouse (kura) of a 150-year-old traditional farmhouse (kominka) in the mountainous northern region of Hiroshima Prefecture. Northern Hiroshima is known for its harsh natural environment, buried under deep snow every winter. The head of this prominent family, who made a living through forestry and rice farming during the turbulent times of the Showa eras, used this tanuki with great care, praying for his family's health and business prosperity. For the Japanese people of that time, the tanuki was highly revered as a symbol of luck. The name "tanuki" can be read as "ta-nuki," which phonetically means "to surpass others," making it a powerful charm for success in business. 
On cold winter nights, with the sunken hearth (irori) crackling, the master of the house would pour local sake from this tokkuri, sharing drinks with family and villagers. The charming, humorous expression of the tanuki served to soften the harsh winter cold and melt the hearts of the people gathered around the fire. The smooth texture of the surface, born from years of use, and the fine cracks (kannyu) naturally etched over time, represent the very essence of "Yo-no-Bi" (the beauty of functional objects). This tokkuri was more than just a sake vessel; it was a guardian of family harmony and community bonds—a true heirloom.
However, as Japan entered the late Showa era and lifestyles modernized rapidly, this tokkuri was relegated to the depths of the kura. An era began where light, easy-to-clean glass and plastic products were preferred over heavy ceramics. The tanuki, once the star of the hearth, was tucked away in a weathered paulownia wood box. Inside the thick earthen walls of the storehouse, it entered a long slumber lasting over half a century. As it quietly aged in the darkness, the glaze settled even further, acquiring a deep, antique patina that modern mass-produced items could never hope to imitate.
The reason this tokkuri has emerged from the storehouse today is due to the inevitable flow of time—the dismantling of the old farmhouse. When the current head of the family, the great-grandson of the original owner, pulled this tanuki from a dust-covered box, eyes full of life appeared from beneath the grime. It was a weight of craftsmanship—each stroke hand-painted with soul by an artisan, a quality missing in today’s mass production. Feeling that it would be a tragedy to let such beauty vanish, the owner decided to bring the tanuki back into the light, driven by a sincere desire to pass this "Heart of Japan" to the next generation.
Today, the value of this tokkuri lies in its charm as a "succession of stories" rather than a mere antique. The contrast between the iron-rich brown glaze characteristic of Seto-yaki and the white glaze on the belly is both rustic and surprisingly modern. When held to the light, a complex "landscape" (keshiki) reveals itself on the surface—a serendipitous art form created by temperature fluctuations within the kiln. Placing this tanuki in a modern, minimal space is not just a decorative choice; it is a ritual to reclaim the warmth of a "good old Japan" that is slowly being lost. In the spirit of wabi-sabi, which finds truth in the marks of use rather than flawless perfection, this Lucky Tanuki Tokkuri stands as a sublime masterpiece.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 13.2 cm (5.20 in)
Depth: 8.3 cm (3.27 in)
Width: 9.1 cm (3.58 in)
Base Diameter: 8.2 cm (3.23 in)
Rim Diameter: 3.8 × 3.8 cm (1.50 × 1.50 in)
Maximum Circumference: 27.2 cm (10.71 in)
Weight: 270 g (9.52 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.