Lot 497 Dα

Inubako 犬箱 (literally: dog box), also inuhariko 犬張子 (literally: dog papier-mâché), are containers in the shape of cute puppies that were made in pairs from papier-mâché in the Edo period. The animal with its head turned to the right is considered the male, the one with its head turned to the left the female. Their bodies were painted with auspicious motifs, the heads showed human features, and the hair was tied above the forehead with a thin red cord.

Dogs made of clay or paper amulets of dogs were since ancient times considered as protective talismans for an easy birth, but also for the health of a child. Over time, these animals took the form of boxes, which were part of the wedding trousseau of young women and were placed on the lowest step in hina doll display on hina-matsuri. They were therefore emblematic of the girls' festival on 3 March, but were also associated with boys, to whom they served as talismans for well-being and good health.

In all likelihood this netsuke was made by Ogawa Haritsu 小川破笠 (1663-1747). Haritsu was an all-round talent living in Edo, adept in poetry, painting and the design of lacquer objects and inrô. From 1713 on he used the artist's name "Ritsuô" 笠翁 on his lacquer objects. His speciality was the combination of materials like wood, ceramic and lacquer, called “ritsuô zaiku”. The few netsuke made in his manner are often signed with his green glazed seal "Kan".