Japan, this rare one-of-a-kind  big belly stone bear (actually a folk art hero raccoon dog Tanuki)  awaits placement in your favorite garden place or indoor space!

Of great age and hand carved during the later Edo period, this late 18th to early 19th century stone carving measures a substantial 45″ in height and 20″ wide and 20″ deep including its big belly. He brandishes his bag of  mischief in one hand and features a notably protruding belly.  Truly a party animal!

Dimensions: 45″ H  x 20″ wide x 20″ deep

Provenance:  a very old Shiga tea garden

History of Tanuki:

The Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), also known as tanuki (狸 or たぬき [tanɯki]^?) in Japanese, is a subspecies of the Asian raccoon dog. Researchers have suggested that they be considered a separate species,

As the tanuki, the animal has been significant in Japanese folklore since ancient times. The legendary tanuki is reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting, but somewhat gullible and absentminded. It is also a common theme in Japanese art, especially statuary.  Huge stone carved tanuki such as this example are rare as usually this monumental size was a specific commission often for sake and other kinds of shop owners. Thank you to Wikipedia.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee.\

We are members of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) specializing for ten years now in old and authentic Japanese stone garden ornaments.