This is a handcrafted dorei (clay bell) in the form of an oni (demon or ogre), made in the traditional ceramic style of Tanba Tachikui-yaki (丹波立杭焼), a historic pottery from Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県), one of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns.
The bell features a striking expression of a demon’s face, complete with bulging eyes, pronounced brows, a large nose, and fierce mouth. The rough, natural clay texture is left unglazed in some areas, while parts of the face are accentuated with an earthy greenish-brown glaze, characteristic of Tanba ware’s use of natural ash glaze from wood-fired kilns.
Despite their fearsome appearance, oni in this context are not purely malevolent. Instead, oni masks and imagery are often used as a protective charm, intended to drive away evil spirits and misfortune. The bell sound is believed to help cleanse negative energy.
Tanba Tachikui-yaki is known for its rustic, organic aesthetic and subdued colors, rooted in the harmony between clay and fire. This piece blends folk art charm with regional craftsmanship, and the oni motif is often associated with warding off evil spirits or misfortune. As a bell, it may have been used as a protective talisman or festival ornament, producing a deep, earthy tone when shaken.
This item is a fine example of how traditional Japanese ceramics and folk beliefs are fused into tactile, meaningful objects.
Size: 6 x 6 x 6cm
