This charming Kōshū Dorei – Yumihari Bell 甲州土鈴・弓張鈴 is a delightful example of regional folk craft from Yamanashi Prefecture, created by the first-generation Kōshū clay bell maker Saitō Gakunan 斉藤岳南.
Shaped in the form of a traditional bow (yumihari), a gently curved natural branch forms the frame, evoking both simplicity and rustic elegance. Suspended along a braided straw cord are five small hand-formed clay bells, each painted with expressive, playful faces reminiscent of daruma dolls. Their rounded forms and lively features—bold eyes, red accents, and individual expressions—give each bell a distinct personality. Small colored paper tags add a festive touch, while a red inscribed slip tied near the top enhances its traditional character.
As a Kōshū clay bell, this piece reflects the folk traditions of the historic Kōshū region (present-day Yamanashi). The gentle chime produced by the clay pellets inside the bells carries the customary belief of warding off evil and inviting good fortune. The bow shape itself may symbolize protection and strength, echoing classical Japanese symbolism associated with archery and purification.
Saitō Gakunan, a local toy maker from Kōfu City in Yamanashi Prefecture, was known for crafting a wide variety of clay bells, including charming parent-and-child daruma figures. His work embodies the warmth and individuality of handmade folk toys, where no two pieces are exactly alike. Through simple materials—earth, straw, branch, and pigment—he created objects that are both playful and spiritually meaningful.
