An okimono depicting a camouflaged, crouching tanuki (狸), carved from the root of a hard, dense wood with a fine patina and natural sheen. The tanuki is a unique animal native to East Asia, resembling a badger or a raccoon dog, and is beloved not only for its gentle appearance but also for the many tales of mischief and trickery associated with it. In folklore, the tanuki is endowed with powerful magical abilities, similar to those of the kitsune, particularly its remarkable talent for shape-shifting. Tanuki statues are popular decorative figures in homes and shops, where they are traditionally regarded as symbols of good fortune and prosperity. Okimono (置物), combining the kanji "oki" (置き, to place) and "mono" (物, object), refers to a decorative object meant for display. Okimono, popular in the Meiji period (1868 - 1912), were finely crafted sculptures made from materials such as ivory, boxwood, wood, and bronze. ---The okimono is in good condition. Please refer to the pictures for further details. The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or FedEx, accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy. 487