This is a vintage clay bell (dorei) representing a uso (bullfinch), connected to the Usokae Shinji (鷽替神事)—a symbolic ritual held at various shrines in Japan, particularly known at Dazaifu Tenmangū and Kameido Tenjinsha.
The bell is painted in bright hues, stylizing the uso bird with a vibrant red beak, round white eyes set against a black mask, and a plum blossom motif on its chest—a nod to Tenjin shrines where plum blossoms are sacred. The simplified, almost totemic form gives the bird a folkish charm, with a slit at the back revealing it functions as a bell.
Usokae Shinji, or “bullfinch exchange ceremony,” takes place in January and involves participants exchanging uso figurines. “Uso” (bullfinch) is a homophone for “lie” (嘘) in Japanese, and this ceremony symbolizes replacing the “lies” or misfortunes of the past year with “truth” and good fortune in the year ahead. Receiving or exchanging a special carved or painted uso is thought to bring luck.
This clay bell is not only a souvenir or folk toy, but a tangible piece of seasonal spiritual tradition—offering protection, renewal, and light-hearted charm with every gentle ring.
