This zodiac figurine by Yakushigama (薬師窯) presents the dog (inu), a symbol of loyalty and protection, playfully perched atop a lucky mallet (uchide no kozuchi), one of Japan’s most beloved emblems of good fortune and abundance. The composition brings together two auspicious motifs, creating a piece rich in meaning yet delightfully light in spirit.
Rendered in a soft white finish, the dog is decorated with gentle hand-painted details: small floral motifs in red and green adorn its body, while touches of gold highlight the ears, paws, and the mallet beneath. The mallet itself bears the character 寿 (kotobuki), signifying longevity and celebration, further reinforcing the piece’s role as a bearer of blessings. A red collar adds a lively accent, while the attached red-and-white cord evokes traditional celebratory colors associated with happiness and auspicious occasions.
The dog, as a zodiac animal, represents fidelity, honesty, and safe guardianship of the home, while the lucky mallet symbolizes the granting of wishes and the multiplication of fortune. Together, they form a harmonious image of protection combined with prosperity—an ideal ornament for the New Year or as a meaningful gift.
Crafted by Yakushigama, a kiln with a history spanning over a millennium, this piece reflects the enduring charm of Japanese folk-inspired ceramics. Its warm, approachable character and symbolic richness make it both a decorative treasure and a quiet talisman of happiness and good luck.
Size: 7 x 4 x 7cm
