This is a papier-mâché tiger, a local craft from Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. It is a very valuable item, as it is a discontinued folk craft. The head sways gently from side to side, making it adorable. From the late Edo period, there was a custom of giving "papier-mâché tigers" to boys for their first Boys' Festival, wishing for their healthy growth and success, like a tiger. Even now, it is widely used not only for celebrations but also as a talisman for traffic safety and as a traditional folk craft. Also, the tiger is a very auspicious animal, said to walk a thousand miles a day and always return to its original den. Each one is handmade with care by artisans, and the lifelike eyes and carefully crafted fangs are outstanding. You can also feel the warmth of the hand-painted patterns on the body. The tail can be removed. It has a strong impact and will enhance your interior decor. I think it would be good as a New Year's decoration or as a charm against evil. ◯ Size (cm) Height 5, Length 13, Depth 4.5 Also on sale #Kevin'sRoom Antique vintage antique figurines Feng Shui art and crafts old art antiques Buddhist altar fittings old art old tools art gallery modernism modern art African art Asian goods art tea ceremony utensils museum contemporary art art mid-century figurines figures Disney Nordic goods American toys American goods Showa retro Taisho Meiji romance dolls used clothing bronze statue Orne de Fayolle Art Nouveau Art Deco René Lalique Figurine bisque doll Royal Doulton Royal Worcester Royal Albert Meissen Royal Crown Derby Aynsley Wedgwood Murano Royal Copenhagen Wedgwood Villeroy & Boch Lladro Hammersley Iittala bird Iittala Yamagiwa Arabia Marimekko Alessi Lisa Larson Gustavsberg Quistgaard Upsala Ekeby Erik Hoglund Gunnar Nylund Kosta Boda Murano Aalto Iittala bird Rörstrand Fatlava Scheurich Gustavsberg Stig Lindberg Val's Conran Shop IDEE