charming pair of vintage folk art frogs - a touch of whimsy and luck for your home

Love Japanese Style like We Do

Bring a sense of joy, prosperity, and playful charm to your space with this delightful pair of vintage, handcrafted cypress wood frogs. These enchanting figures, lovingly created to symbolize good fortune, are more than just decor - they're a charming, lucky addition to any home. Perfect for collectors, nature lovers, or anyone who appreciates unique, meaningful treasures!

In Japan, the frog (or Kaeru) is not only a symbol of good luck but is also tied to centuries of cultural significance. The word Kaeru means both "frog" and "to return," linking these charming amphibians to the idea of bringing wealth, success, and safe returns into your life. Frogs, with their remarkable ability to lay countless eggs, embody abundance, growth, and the potential for new beginnings. Only able to leap forward, frogs symbolize progress - ideal for anyone seeking a boost in business, career, or personal development.

In the Shinto tradition, frogs are revered as sacred messengers to the gods, further elevating their mystical allure. These vintage frogs are not just decorative but carry with them powerful energy and timeless symbolism.

These wonderful frog figures were originally handcrafted using only fallen sugi (Japanese cypress) trees. Now rare and no longer in production, these frogs were once sold as souvenirs in the tranquil hot spring resorts of Japan. Each frog is lovingly hand-carved from a single piece of wood, showcasing the stunning, natural grain of the Japanese cypress. The concentric circles on their backs, formed from the wood's unique patterns, create a beautiful, rippling effect emphasizing the quaint raised bumps on their backs.

Their delightful design features short, stubby legs with oversized feet and charming glass eyes that give them a mischievous, endearing look. Whether displayed side-by-side or stacked, with the smaller frog sitting atop the larger, these two frogs are sure to steal the show in any setting.

The frogs are in very good vintage condition, with only slight bumps and knocks that speak to their age and history. These signs of age add to their rustic appeal and reflect the beloved wear of a cherished folk art pieces. Their wood has darkened over time, creating a lovely patina that enhances and showcases a range of color tones. They exude the warm, earthy feel of Japanese mingei folk craft, evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection to nature’s beauty.

Pair these frogs with one of our vintage trays or place them on our rustic washboard with circular markings, reminiscent of ripples in a pond, to create an even more whimsical display. Wherever you choose to place them, these frogs will bring a touch of magic and positivity to your home.

- large measures 20 cm (7.9") across x 9 cm (3.5") tall x 15 cm (5.9") deep.
- small measures 6 cm (2.4") across x 3.5 cm (1.4") tall x 5 cm (1.96") deep.
- total weight 370 gm.

(listing for pair of frogs only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

FROG SYMBOLOGY IN JAPAN
Frogs are iconic symbols in Japan, embodying the idea that good things will return into one's life.

The Japanese word for frog, kaeru, is pronounced the same as the verb kaeru, meaning “to return.” This phonetic coincidence has made frogs powerful symbols of return, especially in relation to wealth, good fortune, and safe returns. Common phrases like Iki-kaeru (“come back to life”), Fukuga-kaeru (“good fortune returns”), and Okane-ga-kaeru (“money returns”) reflect this cultural significance.

In Japan, it’s common to place money near frog statues—whether at Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, or roadside statues—as a wish for financial stability or the return of something precious.

Many Japanese people carry frog charms in their wallets, hoping to bring back money that has left their wallet, or place frog figurines in their homes and workplaces to attract good fortune.

Frogs are also associated with fertility, rebirth, and abundance due to the vast number of eggs they lay—around 1,500 at a time. Their distinctive ability to leap forward also gives them a positive, progressive connotation, reinforcing the belief that they bring good luck, particularly in career or business.

Beyond their linguistic connection, frogs also hold an important place in Japanese folklore and religious practices. In Shinto, Japan’s indigenous religion, frogs are seen as messengers of the kami (gods), bringing blessings and ensuring the safe return of travelers.

Historically, frogs also appear in the famous Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans, produced between the late Heian and Kamakura periods (1185–1333), which features a well-known scene of a rabbit and frog sumo wrestling while other animals chase a fleeing monkey.