【Sculpture】Inside Nishinippori Community Center

Senri Hirano's "Inubako (Sho)" is displayed here.
In December 2001, the newspapers reported that Empress Michiko gave her child an "inubako" (dog box) as a good luck charm. also known as "inuhariko" (papier mache dog) and "otogiinu" (attending dogs). The design lacks legs, and the top of the body opens, so items can be stored inside.
The bodies are decorated with celebratory patterns, and they are often used to store ceremonial items such as babies' nail clippings.
Dogs have been considered symbols of easy childbirth and protection from evil spirits since ancient times.
Hina dolls are also a type of good luck doll, and these inubako are often placed to the side as a protection for the hina dolls.