The dragon Shōfuku Eto (招福干支) figurine by Tamayoshi (玉善), made at the renowned Yakushigama (薬師窯) kiln, a renowned ceramic company with a history spanning over 1,000 years, celebrated for its traditional Japanese figurines and folk art.
Representing the Year of the Dragon (辰年) from the Japanese zodiac (eto), this piece is a symbol of good fortune, strength, and spiritual energy. Hand-painted with vibrant traditional motifs and accented in gold, the dragon is rendered in a soft white clay with detailed texturing and bold expression.
The decorative crest on its side adds a festive, auspicious touch. Figurines like this are traditionally displayed for New Year celebrations and also make meaningful gifts for those born in a Dragon year. Yakushigama, located in Seto—one of Japan’s historic pottery regions—is known for its finely made zodiac figures and ceremonial ceramics. Tamayoshi (玉善), one of the kiln’s featured artists, is especially admired for their warm and expressive interpretations of the eto animals.
