This vintage ceramic snake figurine is crafted in the traditional dorei (clay bell) style by the renowned Yakushigama kiln, a celebrated pottery house with over 1,000 years of heritage in Japanese folk art. Made by the skilled artist Shōhō (昭峰), this piece reflects both fine craftsmanship and deep cultural symbolism.
The white coiled Year of the Snake (巳年, mi-doshi) figure is adorned with seasonal floral patterns and wears a golden Eboshi-style hat, a traditional symbol of dignity and protection. It gently holds a “Uchide no Kozuchi” (打ち出の小槌)—a mythical lucky mallet said to grant wishes and abundance in Japanese folklore.
The snake, in Japanese culture, is a creature of wisdom, rebirth, and transformation, often associated with good fortune and the sacred. Combined with the mallet motif, this figurine becomes a potent talisman for prosperity, success, and renewal—perfect for gifting or seasonal display.
