A charming Japanese Tiger (寅) zodiac figurine by Yakushigama (薬師窯), created in the warm and cheerful style characteristic of Japanese New Year eto ornaments.
The tiger has a wonderfully rounded, simplified form, finished in a vivid golden-yellow with expressive black stripes and bright red ears. Its body is decorated with a delicate plum blossom (梅 / ume) motif and subtle gold accents. Plum blossoms are particularly auspicious in Japan, blooming while winter still lingers and symbolizing perseverance, renewal and the arrival of spring.
The Tiger (寅 / Tora) is one of the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac (eto / 干支). Traditionally associated with courage, strength and protection, tiger ornaments are displayed around the New Year to welcome good fortune and serve as auspicious symbols for the year ahead.
Made by Yakushigama (薬師窯), a Japanese ceramic workshop associated with the historic pottery tradition of Seto, Aichi Prefecture. Yakushigama is especially celebrated for its colourful zodiac animals, maneki-neko and auspicious folk-inspired ornaments, combining traditional Japanese symbolism with an approachable and playful aesthetic.
