This is a vintage clay bell (土鈴) depicting a pair of stylized tigers from Kurama-dera (鞍馬寺), a revered temple located in the northern mountains of Kyoto. The design features two upright tiger figures with expressive faces—one with its mouth open (阿形 Agyō) and the other closed (吽形 Ungyō), symbolizing the beginning and end of all things in Buddhist tradition. Together, they form the sacred "A-un" pair, believed to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune.
These tiger bells are closely associated with Kurama-dera’s worship of Bishamonten (毘沙門天), a deity of protection and fortune, who is said to be accompanied by tigers as divine messengers. Traditionally, visitors to the temple during the New Year would receive these tiger bells as omamori (protective charms), praying for health, safety, and prosperity in the coming year.
Handcrafted and hand-painted, this folk toy holds deep spiritual significance and cultural heritage. The base of the bell is inscribed with “くらま山” (Mt. Kurama), further anchoring it to its sacred origin. This delightful piece not only brings a soft chime but also carries with it a strong sense of seasonal ritual and protection deeply rooted in Japanese folk belief.
