{"product_id":"cb059-rare-otsu-e-dorei-clay-bell-of-hyotan-namazu","title":"CB059 - RARE Ōtsu-e Dorei clay bell of Hyōtan Namazu","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis vintage hand-crafted whimsical dorei (土鈴, clay bell) captures the famous Ōtsu-e motif Hyōtan Namazu, depicting a monkey attempting to catch a slippery catfish using nothing but a hollow gourd—a clearly impossible task. Hyōtan Namazu (瓢箪なまず) – Monkey Fishing for a Catfish with a Gourd: The image dates back to the Edo period and is often interpreted as a playful metaphor for futility and persistence: some goals may be as difficult as “catching a catfish with a gourd,” yet the attempt itself is part of the humor and charm. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe theme of catching a catfish with a gourd first appears in Zen art during the 15th century. The most famous early work is the Hyōnen-zu (瓢鮎図), painted by the Zen monk Josetsu around 1415, now in Taizō-in Temple, Kyoto. It shows a man trying to catch a slippery catfish with a gourd. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Zen master was once asked, “How do you catch a catfish with a gourd?” a riddle-like kōan meant to provoke meditation on impossibility, paradox, and the limits of logic. Painted in lively colors and crafted with the simple, bold style typical of Ōtsu-e folk art, this bell embodies satire, wit, and everyday wisdom. When shaken, its gentle chime reminds us to approach life’s absurdities with patience and perhaps a smile. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: 7 x 5 x 8cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Maison Kyo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53314067497291,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0964\/9746\/7723\/files\/1755776317.webp?v=1756989992","url":"https:\/\/maisonkyo.be\/de\/products\/cb059-rare-otsu-e-dorei-clay-bell-of-hyotan-namazu","provider":"Maison Kyo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}