This whimsical yōkai-themed dorei (土鈴) folk craft is created by Rei Michikata (道方令さん) of Michikata Kōbō (みちかた工房), an artisan studio known for producing imaginative handmade clay bells inspired by Japanese folklore and traditional rural crafts.
The piece features two small hand-painted clay bells shaped as playful yōkai faces—one painted bright red and the other deep blue. Each bell has expressive eyes and a mischievous grin, capturing the humorous and slightly mysterious spirit typical of yōkai in Japanese folklore.
The red and blue pairing evokes the colors often associated with oni (demons) or supernatural creatures in Japanese folk tales, suggesting protective spirits rather than frightening monsters. The combination of expressive faces and playful design reflects the long tradition of Japanese folk toys that depict supernatural beings as friendly guardians.
As dorei clay bells, the figures are hollow and contain small pellets that create a soft rattling chime when moved. In Japanese folk belief, the sound of such bells is thought to purify the surroundings, ward off negative spirits, and invite good fortune.
