Hariko Folk Toy- Wild Boar (Inoshishi)

Japanese paper-mâché bobblehead folk toys are known as hariko. Artisans make them by layering paper over a clay or bamboo mold, removing the mold once dry, and hand-painting the lightweight hollow body.

This one was found at Oedo Antique Market in Tokyo. It is a wild boar and has quite a striking color combination with the orangish brown body and bold blue feet. The head details the boar's tusks on the side of its mouth and pink nose. The head also bobs up, down, and side to side giving it a lively look. It makes for a fun accent piece on a bookshelf, desk, or console if you love Japanese folk craft.

The boar is a special animal for a hariko because it is the last of the twelve animal signs in Chinese and Japanese zodiac. This one is a Hariko no Inoshishi (wild boar) and considered a lucky charm (engimono).

Size: 

Found object, production date 2007.

Made in Japan.