This vintage dorei (土鈴) clay bell of a shinme (sacred horse) 神馬, rendered in a simple yet elegant Shōwa-era folk style. The figure features a rounded, plump body, typical of mid-20th century Japanese craft aesthetics—with a gentle, stylized expression, emphasizing purity and innocence.
The white clay surface is lightly textured and hand-painted with modest yet lively decorations. On the side, a sprig of ume (plum) blossoms in pink with green leaves adds seasonal symbolism—plum blossoms being a harbinger of spring and a traditional motif of renewal and resilience. The mane and tail are dusted with gold accents, subtly catching the light and lending the piece a dignified presence. A red string looped through the top allows the bell to be hung, as a talisman or decoration.
In Japanese tradition, the shinme is a sacred animal believed to serve as a divine messenger. Horses were once offered to shrines (and sometimes depicted in votive plaques known as ema) to carry prayers to the kami (gods). This bell likely served as an omamori (protective charm) or New Year ornament, especially for those born in the Year of the Horse.
