This delightful clay bell in the form of a dove is a charming piece of traditional Japanese folk craft from Usa in Oita Prefecture. The bird is hand-painted in vivid shades of turquoise, soft yellow, crimson, and black, evoking a gentle and auspicious aura. It is a representation of the "Mikuji Hato" (Fortune Dove), historically used in the practice of drawing sacred lots—omikuji (おみくじ)—at Usa Shrine (宇佐神宮), one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines.
In ancient times at Usa Shrine, a white dove was believed to draw omikuji fortunes with its beak, delivering divine guidance to the people. Those who received favorable fortunes would cherish the message and bring home a dove as a symbol of luck. Eventually, ceramic versions of these birds were created to serve as souvenirs and protective charms. Believers would hang these clay doves around their necks or in their homes, often as omamori (amulets) or decorative symbols of good fortune and peace.
This particular piece was created by Toyokunidō (豊国堂), a traditional workshop known for folk crafts from the region. With its rustic charm and sacred association, this clay bell serves as both a delightful collectible and a spiritual symbol rooted in Shinto beliefs and the historic culture of Usa.
