Just as its namesake balances on a tightrope, this little tanuki will balance your chopsticks on its back, keeping them off the tabletop. The character from Japanese folklore was a mischievous, shapeshifting
tanuki (raccoon-dog) who disguised himself as a beautiful teapot which was sold to a priest by the tanuki's poor owner. But when the priest tries to use the kettle to make tea, the tanuki partially transforms back when the kettle is set on the fire. It runs back to its old owner and makes him rich by performing tricks as a tight-rope dancing tanuki kettle! Porcelain. 2.25" L.