This cute Shiba Inu enamel pin is inspired by Japanese culture and concept of okage-inu. Okage-inu (おかげ犬, おかげ = Blessing, aid, assistance. 犬 = dog) are known as pilgrim dogs in Japan and are especially popular in Mie prefecture. During the Edo period, these dogs were sent in place of people to travel to shrines such as Ise Shrine in Mie prefecture for a religious pilgrimage. With some shimenawa straw ropes tied around their neck and a small pouch containing money to be given to priests these dogs took a long journey across the land to these shrines. White was a very popular choice for these dogs as sources cite white being remarked as a pure color free of taint or possessing a spiritual quality. These days, if you visit Mie prefecture and specifically Ise Shrine and Okage Yokocho, you will find tons of souvenirs of these little fellows! These are black nickel plated enamel pins with sizes ranging fron 1.2" to 1.5" at the longest measurement, with two rubber clutches