A hand-crafted Japanese clay bell (dorei) comes from the revered Iwashimizu Hachimangū (石清水八幡宮), a historic Shinto shrine located in Yawata, Kyoto. The bell is shaped in a rounded, gourd-like form and topped with a thickly braided natural fiber cord, ideal for hanging as a decorative or spiritual item.
The surface of the bell features a dynamic illustration of an ox beneath a large red sun, flanked by pine branches—an auspicious scene symbolizing perseverance, strength, and renewal. The rising sun is a classic emblem of hope and new beginnings in Japanese art, while the ox (or cow) is traditionally associated with diligence, patience, and agricultural blessings.
The inscription on the bell reads 石清水八幡宮 (Iwashimizu Hachimangū), a shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto deity of protection, war, and prosperity. Bells like this are often sold as omamori (protective charms) or souvenirs during New Year festivals or special shrine visits. Dorei is a traditional handcrafted bell made from clay or ceramic, these bells produce a soft, pleasant sound when shaken. 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.
