A charming Shigaraki Ware (信楽焼) ceramic ornament featuring a snake (Mi / 巳) gracefully coiled around a traditional Uchide no Kozuchi (打出の小槌), the magical lucky mallet associated with wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.
The ornament showcases the rustic beauty of traditional Shigaraki pottery, with its warm reddish-brown clay, natural speckled texture, and irregular ash-toned glaze in shades of cream, beige, and olive. The earthy finish highlights the distinctive character of Japanese stoneware.
In Japanese culture, the snake (巳) is the sixth animal of the twelve-year zodiac cycle (Eto / 干支). It symbolises wisdom, transformation, renewal, and good fortune. Because snakes shed their skin, they are traditionally associated with regeneration and new beginnings.
Snakes are also closely connected to Benzaiten (弁財天), one of Japan's Seven Lucky Gods, and are regarded as auspicious symbols of financial prosperity.
The Uchide no Kozuchi (打ち出の小槌), or lucky mallet, is traditionally carried by Daikokuten (大黒天), the God of Wealth and Abundance. According to Japanese folklore, shaking this magical mallet can bring forth treasures and fulfil wishes.
Shigaraki Ware originates from Shigaraki in Shiga Prefecture and is recognised as one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns (日本六古窯), with a pottery tradition dating back to the medieval period.
Size: 18 x 12 x 13cm
