A vintag omiyage toy depicts a traditional Japanese tanuki, or raccoon dog, seated beside a sake bottle and beneath an old-fashioned paper lantern known as an andon (行灯). The figure stands on a round red base, and the entire scene is topped with a red torii-like frame adorned with decorative tassels, lending the piece a festive and spiritual touch.
The tanuki is a beloved creature in Japanese folklore, known for its mischievous, playful nature and magical shapeshifting abilities. In modern culture, it has come to symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and a carefree spirit. The presence of the sake bottle, inscribed with the character 酒 (sake), reinforces themes of hospitality, celebration, and abundance. Sake is traditionally offered during festivals, rituals, and gatherings, often as a symbol of connection between people and deities.
Above the tanuki, the andon lantern serves both as a literal and symbolic source of light. Lanterns like this were commonly used in old Japan to light homes, inns, and temples, and they came to represent guidance, safety, and enlightenment. The handwritten calligraphy on the lantern evokes a sense of nostalgia and authenticity, tying the piece to the aesthetics of Japan’s Edo period.
Size: 4 x 4 x 12cm
