15.00 USD

This is a ceramic Bell called 土鈴 "dorei". 鈴 is "Suzu" which means bell and 土 is "do" which means earth, soil and is part of 粘土 meaning clay. So...this is a clay/ceramic bell. These bells have a ceramic ball inside so the sound is a coarse, rolling sound.

Bells of all kinds, have a long history in Japan. Dorei (ceramic bells) date back to the prehistoric Jomon Era (10,000 B.C.-300 B.C.). These bells were used to scare away evil. At Shinto shrines, large bells drape over entrances, as it is said that ringing them calls gets the attention of the Gods allowing one to acquire positive power and authority, while repelling evil.

This is a "migawari suzu" which is a type of "omamori". Omamori are amulets - they are physical objects that contain the spiritual essence and powers of a deity or buddha . " Migawari omamori" (身代わりお守り,means that the item takes the place of the person...so the bad luck is transferred, in this case, to the bell.

For a fabulous and interesting read on omamori please see http://www.tofugu.com/2014/06/25/omamori-protecting-yourself-in-little-ways/


This bell is from the Tatsukushi National Marine Park in Kochi Prefecture. Tatsukushi coast is famous for strangely shaped rocks. Around this coast, sandstone and mudstone has been deposit alternating layers. And erosion by waves has created the strange and unique rocks. Especially "Ootake-kotake" (means "Large and small bamboos") are the symbolic rocks in Tatsukushi coast, and they look like big bamboos. Along the coast, a walking trail is set up. The sea around Tatsukushi is designated as a national marine park.
There is an underwater observation tower to the west of Tatsukushi coast.
The enormous warm current flows near Shikoku Island, so we can see corals and tropical fishes.

This bell is about 11 cm high (including rope loop) and about 6 cm wide.

This will be will padded and shipped in a box.