Hello and thank you for viewing our listing

This vintage Shigaraki Ware pottery figurine from Japan features a lucky frog/toad figurine/charm, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Handmade and featuring a matte finish, this small figurine captures the essence of Japanese culture and folklore. Perfect for collectors of Asian artifacts, this piece adds a touch of uniqueness and charm to any space with its authentic design and origin.

Free shipping! We offer you free shipping with postal insurance on this item within the continental United States to save you money.

Please feel free to message us with any questions. We will consider any offer. Thanks again! We appreciate you.

Japanese Shigaraki ware frog figurines are handcrafted pottery, known for their rustic, earthy appearance and wabi-sabi aesthetic, symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and safe returns. These items come from Shigaraki, a region with a kiln history dating back to the 8th century, though the frog figurines gained popularity later, particularly between the 1930s and 1950s. The figures are typically made from coarse, natural clay and feature a mottled, natural glaze with detailed features like black glass eyes.

History and background

Origins: Shigaraki ware, one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, began in the 8th century, but its modern style was cemented around the 13th-14th centuries.

Initial use: The pottery initially served practical purposes, such as storage and cooking vessels for farming communities.

Symbolism: The frog figure is a popular choice in Japanese tradition, with frogs (kaeru) symbolizing good luck, prosperity, and safe returns, making the figurines a common gift or decorative item.

Modern popularity: The "lucky" frog figurines gained significant popularity in modern times, with many produced between the 1930s and 1950s, often depicting a mother frog with a baby on her back.

Characteristics of the figurines

Appearance: The figurines are known for their rustic and natural charm, embodying the wabi-sabi aesthetic.

Material: They are made from coarse, natural Shigaraki stoneware clay, which gives them a unique, earthy texture.

Glaze: A natural ash glaze is often used, creating a mottled, brownish, or olive-colored finish.

Details: Many have handcrafted black eyes and nostrils, and a realistic, textured surface that mimics a real toad or frog