This charming Japanese clay bell (土鈴, dorei) is crafted in the design of a Fuku-Inu (福犬) “Lucky Dog,” a motif commonly seen in Tsuchi-Ningyō (土人形, earthen dolls). These figures are traditional folk art, often made from clay and hand-painted with simple yet expressive features.
Fuku-Inu (福犬) – The Lucky Dog represents a guardian dog associated with protection, good fortune, and safe childbirth. In Japanese culture, dogs have long been symbols of fertility and family well-being, as they are believed to bring prosperity and ward off misfortune.
The dog wears a red scarf, a common symbol of warmth, protection, and good luck. When shaken, the dorei produces a soft, earthy sound. Often sold at shrines or festivals as charms to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The sound of the bell is believed to purify the surrounding environment and attract positive energy.
