A vintage Eto ornament representing the Rat / Mouse (子・ね), the first animal of the twelve-year Japanese zodiac cycle. Made in the tradition of Takaoka metalwork (高岡銅器) from Toyama Prefecture, this substantial cast-metal figure depicts a parent and young rat, each holding a rounded object suggestive of food or grain.
The composition has a warm and affectionate character, with the smaller rat nestled closely beside the larger one. In Japanese zodiac symbolism, the rat is associated with cleverness, adaptability, fertility and prosperity. Because rats reproduce quickly and were historically linked with places where grain and food were plentiful, they also came to symbolize abundance and household fortune.
Takaoka Dōki (高岡銅器) refers to the renowned metal-casting tradition of Takaoka, Toyama, with roots going back to the early Edo period. Over time, Takaoka craftsmen became celebrated for producing Buddhist implements, vases, incense burners, decorative sculpture and seasonal auspicious objects in bronze and other cast metals.
This piece shows visible age-related wear and areas of surface loss to the finish, particularly around the ears, paws and body. These traces are part of its vintage character; please refer closely to the photographs for condition.
