Papier-mâché dog

犬張子 inu hariko

Papier-mâché dog

A papier-mâché dog toy given as a charm for safe childbirth and children's healthy growth; a baby-gift motif.

Dog amulets from the Heian period; papier-mâché toy in the Edo period

Pairs of dog-shaped papier-mâché figures were made as protective amulets from the Heian period. By the early Edo period a male-and-female pair was part of a bride's trousseau, carried in the wedding palanquin, and kept to ensure safe childbirth and protect the baby's health. The standing papier-mâché dog toy became a common gift at births and the first shrine visit.

Still given for safe delivery, often on the Day of the Dog (inu no hi) when expectant mothers visit shrines.

Technique catalog · draft for review

Every way to wrap, carry and wear a furoshiki.

The furoshiki.com archive, sliced into annotated steps with plain directions, plus techniques found in research.