This RARE vintage hand-crafted dorei (土鈴, clay bell) depicts the famous Praying Demon from Ōtsu-e folk art, a humorous and satirical tradition from Japan’s Edo period.
Oni no Nenbutsu (鬼の念仏) – Praying Demon: The figure shows a fierce-looking oni (demon) dressed as a Buddhist monk, clutching prayer beads and a wooden gong, chanting sutras with exaggerated sincerity. In Ōtsu-e paintings, this image humorously warns against false piety and hypocrisy, the demon outwardly performs devotions yet remains a creature of mischief inside.
Crafted from hand-molded clay and painted in bold colors typical of Ōtsu-e style, bright reds, yellows, and blacks—the bell also carries a playful spirit: when shaken, its gentle ring brings good fortune while reminding viewers not to be fooled by appearances. Today, Oni no Nenbutsu stands as one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in the Ōtsu-e repertoire, blending folk humor, moral lessons, and artistic charm in a single delightful figure.
