A striking Japanese White Tiger (白虎 / Byakko) zodiac figurine made by Yakushigama (薬師窯), featuring a powerful yet charming interpretation of the tiger, one of the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac.
The tiger is depicted in a confident crouching pose, with its mouth open in a protective roar and its beautifully sculpted body emphasizing strength and determination. Finished in a soft matte white, the figurine is decorated with elegant golden eyes, a curled golden tail and a vivid red character 天 (Ten), meaning “Heaven,” painted on its side. The contrast between the white body and metallic gold details gives the piece a particularly refined and auspicious appearance. It rests on a traditional red felt cushion, enhancing its ceremonial character.
In Japanese tradition, the Tiger (寅 / Tora) is associated with courage, strength, protection and the power to ward off evil. The white tiger, known as Byakko (白虎), is also one of the Four Celestial Guardians (Shijin / 四神) in East Asian mythology, representing the western direction and symbolizing divine protection. The character 天 further evokes a connection with heaven, adding another layer of spiritual symbolism to this distinctive ornament.
Crafted by Yakushigama (薬師窯), a renowned Japanese ceramic maker rooted in the historic pottery traditions of Seto, Aichi Prefecture, a region with more than 1,000 years of ceramic heritage. Yakushigama is celebrated for its traditional Japanese zodiac figurines, auspicious ornaments and folk-inspired ceramics, combining time-honoured symbolism with expressive craftsmanship.
Size: 10 x 6 x 6cm
