Japanese Translation, Bamboo Hat Dog
I received this gift from my "adopted Aunt" visiting from Japan. I would like to know what the little paper that came with it says. Could someone do me the honor of translating it?
Hi Claire,
I wish your Akita Dogs would have "EASY DELIVERY" every time, so I brought it for you.
Mariko
Basket on dog's head is made of bamboo
竹 - Bamboo
犬 - Dog
↓
笑 - This kanji means "laugh"
In addition this dog is mascot for "EASY DELIVERY" in Japan
Hi Claire,
I wish your Akita Dogs would have "EASY DELIVERY" every time, so I brought it for you.
Mariko
Basket on dog's head is made of bamboo
竹 - Bamboo
犬 - Dog
↓
笑 - This kanji means "laugh"
In addition this dog is mascot for "EASY DELIVERY" in Japan
Comments
Here's rough translation.Please note that Japanese is my native tongue but I'm not good at English!
Origin of Inu Hariko(Dog paper-mache)
Among the Japanese folk-craft-toys, this paper-mache,which beautifully symbolizes a dog, counts as masterpiece.
Its regular form and bold but cute paintings makes this toy a legacy of Japanese commonalty culture along with Nishiki-e(colored wood cut).
It is said that dogs are honest, repaying an obligation,driving out evil things,giving birth easily and growing up well.Thus, in Heian era(794－1185）, a Koma-inu(lion-like statue guarding the entrance of Shinto shrines) was placed on Seiryo-den(one of the main buildings of Kyoto Imperial Place) and it is considered the origin of Inu Hariko.
In later times, dog shaped Otogi-inu or Inu-bako is placed in noble women's maternity room.
In Edo era(1603-1868), people presented Inu Hariko to others with bamboo basket and "Den den daiko" or drum shaped toy for celebration wishing charm, happiness and children's health.(bamboo basket is for "washing down illness and evilness"."Den den daiko" is for baby-sitting.)
Also, it is said that Inu hariko is omen for family bond as kanji for bamboo(竹） on the head of kanji for dog(犬） forms a kanji for smile(笑）.