Hanazume Treasure Bag Lucky Snake Figurine

This exquisite Kutani ware home decor item features a lucky white porcelain snake sitting atop a treasure bag decorated with hanazume, each colorful petal meticulously outlined in gold. The snake, the zodiac sign for 2025, symbolizes rebirth, new beginnings, and wealth. Its placement on a treasure bag, which represents prosperity, makes this a highly auspicious and hopeful piece.

A treasure bag is a mythical bag said to be carried by one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, Daikokuten. Inside is an inexhaustible supply of food and treasure. It is a very auspicious motif within Japanese culture, especially when welcoming the New Year.

The snake perched on the treasure bag is one of the twelve auspicious zodiac signs. The ability of snakes to shed their skin—like a phoenix rising from the ashes—is the origin of their symbolic meaning of rebirth and new beginnings. Furthermore, the Japanese name for the zodiac snake, mi, can also mean “to acquire riches,” lending an association with wealth. White snakes in particular are highly lucky, as they are believed to be messengers of Benzaiten, the deity associated with wealth and prosperity.

This figurine comes with its own stand: a wooden tray with a red felt cloth that gives the item a highly refined and auspicious presentation. Also included is a small wooden plate with the name of the kiln and the word Kutani in Japanese calligraphy, fully completing the display.

Toukou Kiln

Toukou Kiln specializes in Kutani ware and operates as both a manufacturer and a wholesaler, focusing on auspicious items such as maneki neko lucky cats, owls, treasure ships, and the Seven Gods of Good Fortune. Each piece is meticulously crafted with the understanding that overglaze painting is the essence of this celebrated ceramic tradition.

Yoneda Kazuo, the third-generation owner, mastered the fundamentals of molding, overglaze porcelain painting, and other essential skills, continuously refining his craft through dedicated research. His specialty lies in nishiki-mori, an intricate painting technique unique to Kutani ware.

Kutani ware is a pottery produced in the Kaga region of Ishikawa Prefecture and it has a history of over 350 years. It is characterized by the heavy brilliance of the five colors of green, yellow, red, purple, and navy blue that are applied to the bold and daring lines. Its long history has evolved through the tireless efforts and enthusiasm of people who have sought innovation while maintaining tradition.

The beauty of the various styles and methods of painting is known as "Japan Kutani" and is highly regarded around the world.