Tanuki Figure, Japanese Raccoon Dog, Wood, Mid-century

Tanuki, Japanese raccoon dog, a legendary folklore symbol of good luck, also reputed to be mischievous and jolly, a master of disguise and shapeshifting but also quite gullible and absentminded.  A favorite subject in Japanese art, statuary, pictures and folkart. Carved in akita-sugi wood ,has an Artist signature and comes with its own akita -sugi wood stand. He stands with his big belly, sake bottle on the side and his hat tied around his neck.  Mid-century. Tanuki, H : 12". Base, W : 15"