This vintage white clay bell (dorei) is shaped in the form of a mythical dragon, handcrafted as an engimono (auspicious charm) from the revered Nishinomiya Shrine in Hyōgo Prefecture. Adorned with vivid red and gold, the dragon’s face carries a bold, stylized expression, both protective and celebratory in spirit.
On its side, the bell is stamped with the vermilion seal of 西宮神社 (Nishinomiya Jinja), a shrine famously dedicated to Ebisu (恵比寿), the deity of prosperity, luck, and fishermen. The shrine is also renowned for its annual “Fukuotoko” (Lucky Man) race, a cherished New Year tradition where participants dash through the shrine gates to become the year's first lucky visitor. In Japanese folklore, the dragon is a powerful and benevolent creature, believed to bring rain, fertility, and fortune. As a zodiac animal and protector, it is often associated with strength and spiritual power.
This bell captures that symbolism in a playful yet reverent form, its sound evoking blessings and warding off misfortune. Whether displayed as a collectible folk craft, New Year talisman, or spiritual keepsake, this dorei embodies the deep connection between tradition, artistry, and faith in everyday life.
