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Japanese Antique Wood-Carved Tanuki Edo period 1800s-1860s / Sculpture Wabi-Sabi

$2,000
£1,522.96
€1,753.65
CA$2,834.18
A$3,048.56
CHF 1,629.24
MX$35,933.86
NOK 20,540.90
SEK 18,778.28
DKK 13,102.69

About the Item

This is an old Japanese wood-carved tanuki figure. It is believed to date back to the Edo period (1800s–1860s) and is a one-of-a-kind sculpture that has quietly survived the passage of time. The material is thought to be pine wood, whose soft grain has deepened over many years, creating rich shadows and a truly unique expression. While the exact material of the eyes cannot be confirmed, they appear to be made of a glass-like substance that gently reflects light, enhancing the tanuki’s charming and expressive face. In Japan, the tanuki has long been regarded as a creature that brings good fortune. Its form itself is considered auspicious, symbolizing household safety and prosperity in business, and such figures have traditionally been kept close to daily life. This piece quietly carries the presence of that belief and folkloric tradition. The most striking feature of this sculpture is the remarkable pattern of insect damage covering its surface. While such marks are typically considered flaws, here they function almost like intentionally carved texture, resembling fur and giving the piece an extraordinary presence. Countless small indentations catch the light and create complex shadows, beautifully merging the rugged texture of aged wood with a vivid sense of animal vitality. Having encountered many antique wood carvings, examples in which insect traces are elevated so completely into an aesthetic element are exceedingly rare, making this work particularly memorable. The insect activity has long since ceased, and there is little to no crumbling of the wood. It is evident that the piece has been carefully preserved over many years, and it remains in very good condition for an antique. The dry texture unique to old wood, the subtle roughness of the surface, and the gentle patina shaped by time all contribute strongly to its singular character. Within its raw, weathered appearance resides a gentle sense of humor and warmth—an embodiment of the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi. It captures the beauty of imperfection and the quiet dignity of age, expressing a distinctly Japanese sensibility. A truly one-of-a-kind wood-carved tanuki—an art piece imbued with the spirit and time of the Edo period. Weight: 1 kg
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.91 in (15 cm)Width: 22.84 in (58 cm)Depth: 5.12 in (13 cm)
  • Style:
    Edo (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Pine,Hand-Carved,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
    Japan
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1800s-1860s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chōsei District Nagara, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10403248222372

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