papier-mâché dog doll
A traditional Japanese doll made of papier-mâché in the shape of a dog, often given as a charm for child health and protection.
There is a custom of giving a papier-mâché dog doll for a child's first seasonal festival.
Standard kanji spelling for the traditional papier-mâché dog doll.
Variant spelling with okurigana り; less common but still seen.
Compound of 犬 (dog) and 張子 (papier-mâché). The exact origin of the dog shape as a protective charm is uncertain, but it is traditionally associated with wishes for a child's healthy growth.