This is an Akabeko. *No box included. Length: Approximately 23cm Height: Approximately 15cm There are scratches and stains. Akabeko is a papier-mâché toy resembling a red cow, a local folk craft of the Aizu region. It has been used as a charm to ward off evil spirits for children. The red color of the body is believed to have the effect of warding off evil, and the black spots represent smallpox. There was a custom of giving Akabeko to children so that they would not suffer severely even if they contracted the disease. It nods its head. It's a lucky charm.