• Zodiac treasure boat figurine set with miniature ceramic zodiac animals
  • Front view of ceramic zodiac treasure boat display on black base
  • Angled view of zodiac treasure boat with sail and animal figurines
  • Close-up of the sail detail on a ceramic zodiac treasure boat
  • Side detail of treasure boat with miniature zodiac animals
  • Three-quarter view of zodiac treasure boat figurine set
  • Decorative front detail of ceramic fortune boat and zodiac figures
  • Gift box for zodiac treasure boat ceramic figurine set
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ZenKiln

Yakushigama Takarabune Treasure Boat with 12 Zodiac Figures

£70.00 GBP £63.00 GBP
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  • Earthenware

Hand-painted ceramic takarabune (宝船 "treasure ship") by Yakushigama (薬師窯) — carrying the full set of 12 Japanese zodiac animals (juni-shi 十二支), from the kiln's 招福干支 Shōfuku Eto signature line. Sail bears the auspicious shōchikubai 松竹梅 (pine-bamboo-plum) print + 「宝」takara seal. Includes 12 mini zodiac figures, black-lacquered wooden display stand, and red Yakushigama presentation box.

The takarabune in Japanese New Year tradition

The takarabune 宝船 ("treasure ship") is one of the most iconic auspicious motifs in Japanese New Year (お正月 oshōgatsu) culture. Traditionally depicted as a Chinese-style sailing ship carrying the Seven Lucky Gods (七福神 shichifukujin) along with treasures, the takarabune is the vessel that brings good fortune into homes for the new year. Sleeping with a takarabune image under one's pillow on the second night of January is said to bring auspicious dreams (初夢 hatsuyume).

This Yakushigama variant takes the takarabune iconography in a different direction: instead of the Seven Gods, it carries the full 12-zodiac (juni-shi 十二支) cycle — making it a year-round auspicious display piece rather than only a New Year decoration.

Why Yakushigama and the Shōfuku Eto line

Yakushigama is one of Japan's contemporary kilns producing auspicious-figurine work — maneki neko, zodiac figures, treasure boats, daruma. Their 招福干支 (Shōfuku Eto) line uses crisp hand-painted enamel work with refined retail packaging suited for gifting. Because the set carries all 12 zodiac animals at once, it stays auspicious regardless of which zodiac year you give it for.

How to display

  • On a console, mantel, or shelf as a year-round auspicious centerpiece
  • In a tokonoma alcove during oshōgatsu (New Year season — late December through early January) for traditional display
  • In a home office or business reception for prosperity feng shui placement
  • As a gift for housewarming, business opening, retirement, milestone birthday, or for someone born in any zodiac year

Common questions

Is this the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) takarabune?

No — this is the 12-zodiac variant. Classical takarabune carry the Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin); this Yakushigama interpretation carries the full 12 zodiac animals (juni-shi) instead. Both are recognized auspicious-figurine traditions; the 12-zodiac variant is more universally giftable since it doesn't tie to a specific zodiac year.

What does 「宝」(takara) on the sail mean?

「宝」(takara) means "treasure" — it is the central word in 宝船 (takarabune, "treasure boat"). The red circular seal on the sail is the visual signature of the takarabune motif in Japanese decorative art.

What is shōchikubai 松竹梅?

Shōchikubai 松竹梅 (pine, bamboo, and plum) is the auspicious "Three Friends of Winter" trio in Japanese decorative tradition — used on weddings, New Year, and milestone celebrations. Pine = longevity, bamboo = resilience, plum = renewal.

Are the 12 zodiac figures glued in place?

No — the figures sit loose on the gold treasure-deck (not adhered), making them easy to display individually if desired. Handle with care when moving the boat to avoid figures sliding off.

Is the box and stand included?

Yes — every set arrives with its original red Yakushigama 招福干支 presentation box AND the black-lacquered wooden display stand. Both are part of the gift presentation.

Details & dimensions

Boat: 15.5 cm (6.1") high × 16 cm (6.3") wide × 9 cm (3.5") deep — measured including the sail (the sail is the tallest point).

12 mini zodiac figures: each approx. 2-2.5 cm (0.8-1.0") — small enough to be displayed individually elsewhere if desired, but designed to sit on the boat's gold-treasure deck.

Mount: black-lacquered rectangular wooden display stand (kuro-nuri kibadai 黒塗木台) — included; the boat sits stably on the stand.

Wave detail: white-and-blue stylized water rendering at the boat's base; orange-red sail edges; deep purple silk-tassel knot at the bow.

Shipping, duties & delivery

Ships from Japan.

Orders are typically dispatched within 1–3 business days after payment is confirmed.

Estimated delivery times vary by destination and may be affected by customs clearance, public holidays, and local carrier conditions.

Buyers are responsible for any customs duties, VAT, and import taxes that may apply in the destination country.

Packaging & gifting

Includes the original Yakushigama-supplied red lacquered presentation box with the octagonal 薬師窯 招福干支 logo. Same box style as the L7 Yakushigama horse and other Shōfuku Eto figurines.

The takarabune ships on its included black-lacquered rectangular wooden display stand. The 12 zodiac figures are individually wrapped to prevent contact during transit.

Carefully packed for gifting and safe delivery from Japan. Fragile items are additionally packed with protective wrapping and cushioning materials for international delivery. Both the red box and the wooden stand are part of the gift presentation — collectors typically retain both.

Care instructions

For decorative display only.

Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals.

The hand-painted enamel + gold-pigment treasure mounds + kira-zuri gold-fleck on the sail are all delicate — clean around them, never directly on them.

The 12 zodiac figures sit loose on the deck (not glued); handle them individually with care when dusting. They can be temporarily removed for individual cleaning if needed.

Avoid sudden temperature changes and direct strong sunlight to preserve the painted finish, the gold pigment, and the printed shōchikubai sail decoration.

The black-lacquered wooden display stand can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth; avoid solvents and waxes.

Returns / damage support

Because many of our items are handmade, fragile, and shipped internationally from Japan, we do not accept returns or exchanges for change of mind, incorrect size expectations, or personal preference unless otherwise stated on the product page.

The 12 zodiac figures sit loose on the deck (not glued in place) — slight position variation between pieces is normal and expected.

If your item arrives damaged, defective, or significantly different from the design intent, please contact us within 7 days of delivery with clear photos of the item and packaging.

Cancellations are accepted within 12 hours of purchase.

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