Japanese Kozen Dorei (古銭鈴) – Clay Bell with Ancient Coin Motif & Original Box. A handcrafted clay bell inspired by ancient Japanese coinage, made in Yamaguchi Prefecture’s historical minting region, the birthplace of Japan's earliest coin production. The bell is formed in the shape of an old-style Japanese coin and comes complete with its original box and an accompanying explanation leaflet in Japanese, detailing its cultural and historical background.
The bell features embossed kanji characters on its face, evoking the look of Wadō Kaichin (和同開珎), Japan's first official currency from the Nara period (circa 8th century). It is tied with a vibrant red braided cord, making it easy to hang as a decorative item or carry as a talisman.
Wadō Kaichin, also romanized as Wadō Kaichō, is widely regarded as Japan’s first official coin, issued in 708 CE during the Nara period under the reign of Empress Genmei. Its name breaks down into:
和 (wa) – An ancient name for Japan 同 (dō) – Meaning "copper" 開珎 (kaichin) – Roughly meaning "treasured currency" or "currency that opens prosperity"
Kozen dorei are often gifted or kept as charms for peace, prosperity, and wealth, drawing on the symbolic power of ancient coins to invite fortune and stability. The bell produces a soft, clear chime when shaken, making it both a spiritual and aesthetic object of beauty.
