A tiger dorei clay bell by Yakushigama (薬師窯), one of Japan’s most beloved ceramic workshops, known for its auspicious zodiac ornaments and folk-inspired designs.
This piece depicts a cheerful tiger (寅 / tora) with a warm yellow body, simple black stripes, and a friendly expression. Across its back is a beautifully decorated red panel filled with plum blossoms and pine motifs, accented with gold, pink, green, and white. The contrast between the playful tiger form and the refined floral decoration gives the piece a wonderfully festive character.
In the Japanese zodiac, the tiger is associated with courage, strength, confidence, and protection. Tiger ornaments are often displayed around the New Year as symbols of energetic forward movement and good fortune.
Yakushigama (薬師窯) is based in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s historic pottery centres. Seto has been renowned for ceramic production for more than a thousand years, and Yakushigama continues this long tradition through accessible, characterful works that combine traditional symbolism with playful folk design.
As a dorei (土鈴), this piece also belongs to Japan’s tradition of small earthenware bells, often made as seasonal charms, regional souvenirs, and good-luck objects.
Size: 8 x 4 x 6cm
