1.
pig-shaped ceramic mosquito coil holder
A hollow ceramic pig with an opening in its side, used to hold a burning mosquito coil. A familiar emblem of Japanese summer, often seen on verandas and in seasonal advertising.
From 蚊遣り (driving off mosquitoes) plus 豚 (pig). Also written 蚊取り豚.
Common collocations
- 蚊遣り豚を置く: to set out a mosquito coil pig
- 夏の風物詩: a seasonal sight of summer
- 蚊取り線香を入れる: to put a coil inside it
Cultural note
The shape is said to derive from Edo-period pots used to burn smoky material against mosquitoes. Today it is as much a nostalgic ornament as a practical device, and it appears constantly in summer illustrations alongside wind chimes and watermelon.