One of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog Charms

One of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog Charms

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pairs of dog-shaped papier-mâché figures (inuhariko) were produced from the Heian period on as protective amulets. By the beginning of the Edo period, they were part of the traditional wedding set, used to ensure safe childbirth and also to protect the child's health. Initially, inuhariko pairs—male and female—were presented at the engagement ceremony; later, they had an important role in the wedding process as well—they were carried in the wedding palanquin as good luck amulets. Inuhariko can also be found in the shape of cats.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog CharmsOne of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog CharmsOne of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog CharmsOne of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog CharmsOne of a Pair of Incense Boxes in the Shape of Dog Charms

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.