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Takehisa Mamoru Shoten

Hand-Painted Hariko Tiger

Takehisa Mamoru Shoten

Regular price $35.00
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  • Sold out

Regular price $35.00
Sold out

Product details

Made in Setouchi, Okayama, this hariko tiger is a traditional Japanese folk craft formed from paper pulp and painted by hand.

Hariko tigers have long been displayed during Tango no Sekku, now celebrated as Children’s Day in Japan, as a wish for a child’s healthy growth and strength. The tiger is also said to travel a thousand ri and safely return home, giving it an association with safe journeys and protection.

One of its most recognizable features is its gently moving head. A light touch or small movement causes the head to nod, giving the tiger a lively and slightly humorous expression.

Each face, stripe, and painted detail is completed by hand. Differences in the eyes, mouth, markings, colors, and brushwork give every tiger its own personality. No two pieces are exactly alike.

About the Maker

Takehisa Mamoru Shoten was founded in 1957 in Setouchi, Okayama Prefecture.

The workshop became known for its traditional hariko tigers, which were commonly displayed for a child’s first seasonal celebration and kept as symbols of healthy growth, protection, and good fortune.

The forms are made using paper pulp prepared from newspaper. After the body is formed and dried, the base color, facial features, stripes, and other details are painted by hand. This process creates small differences in expression and finish from one tiger to the next.

Size and Weight

Small

  • Length: 6 in / approximately 15.2 cm
  • Width: 2 in / approximately 5.1 cm
  • Height: 4.5 in / approximately 11.4 cm
  • Weight: Approximately 1.8 oz / 50 g

Measurements and weight are approximate. Because each piece is handmade, the exact dimensions may vary slightly.

Details

  • Maker: Takehisa Mamoru Shoten
  • Origin: Setouchi, Okayama, Japan
  • Material: Paper pulp
  • Finish: Hand-painted
  • Size: Small
  • Movable head
  • Made in Japan

Care and Important Notes

  • Each tiger is formed and painted by hand. Variations in shape, size, facial expression, brushwork, color, stripes, and surface texture are natural characteristics of the handmade process.
  • Small wrinkles, uneven areas, visible brush marks, minor paint irregularities, or slight differences in the position of the head may be present. These are not considered defects and give each tiger its individual character. The piece you receive may look noticeably different from the photographs.
  • The head is designed to move gently. Do not pull, twist, or lift the tiger by its head, as this may damage the internal connection. Hold and move the piece by its body.
  • Hariko is made primarily from paper and is sensitive to water and moisture. Keep it dry and do not clean it with a wet cloth.
  • To remove dust, gently use a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme changes in temperature, as these conditions may cause fading, warping, cracking, or peeling.
  • Keep away from open flames and other heat sources.
  • This is a delicate decorative object and is not intended for rough handling or active play. Keep out of reach of small children and pets.
  • Colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting and screen settings.

RETURNS AND EXCHANGE