Netsuke of dog-shaped talisman (inuhariko)

犬張子象牙彫根付

A dog-shaped talisman (often with a child's head and made of papier-mâché) is used for protection of pregnant women and young children. Dogs were believed to have easy birth, and their intelligence and faithfulness contribute to their protective power. Traditionally, this type of talisman was placed in a bedroom, but its primary use today is to celebrate a child's first visit to a temple.