This cow dorei (土鈴) clay bell is created by Gahō (雅峰) of Yakushigama (薬師窯), a pottery workshop based in Seto, Aichi Prefecture—one of Japan’s historic ceramic centers with a tradition spanning more than a thousand years.
The bell depicts a gentle white cow (午 / 牛) rendered in a rounded, auspicious folk style. The box behind the piece bears the inscription 「午 開運干支」, meaning “Horse Zodiac for Good Fortune,” indicating that the figure belongs to a series of zodiac-themed lucky charms produced for New Year celebrations. Zodiac figurines are traditionally displayed in Japanese homes at the beginning of the year to invite prosperity, protection, and harmony.
Like other dorei clay bells, the figure is hollow with a small pellet inside that produces a gentle, pleasant chime when moved. In Japanese folk belief, the sound of clay bells is said to purify spaces and ward off misfortune.
Combining the warmth of Seto ceramic craftsmanship with zodiac symbolism, this Yakushigama dorei by Gahō serves as both a decorative folk ornament and a meaningful charm wishing good luck, prosperity, and protection for the year ahead.
