This vintage rabbit-shaped dorei (clay bell) hails from Ise Jingū (伊勢神宮), one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. Crafted from unglazed clay with a natural matte finish, the bell has a warm, earthy tone and soft contours that emphasize the gentle form of the rabbit. A subtle relief stamp bearing the emblem of Ise Jingū is impressed on its side, denoting its sacred origin.
The rabbit (usagi) is a symbol of swift progress and safe journeys in Japanese folklore, and is especially significant during the Year of the Rabbit in the zodiac cycle. Bells like this are often collected during shrine visits as engimono (lucky charms), believed to invite protection, good health, and prosperity.
Ise Jingū, located in Mie Prefecture, is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami and has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries. This bell serves not only as a decorative piece but also as a spiritual memento connecting its bearer to the divine heritage of Japan’s most revered shrine.
