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 Yasugi City, Shimane.

Dojou-sukui is associated with the Yasugi-bushi folk song from Yasugi City, Shimane.

Dojou is a small fresh water eel and the performer tries to catch eels dancing along to Yasugi-bushi folk songs.

It started during Edo Period (AD 1603 – 1868) based on the Izumo-bushi folk song. At the end of the Edo and in the early Meiji Period, Watanabe Sahe-e and his daughter Oito became the most successful performers. The founder clan is carrying on the tradition using the title of ‘Watanabe Oito’ and the current generation is the 4th. There is a large theatre in Yasugi City dedicated to Yasugi-bushi and Dojou-sukui entertainments but at many hotels and ryokans this entertainment is a norm in all the Izumo Region.

This bell is about 13 cm high (including rope loop) and about 5.5 cm wide.

This will be will padded and shipped in a box.