This dorei (土鈴) clay bell depicts Daruma (達磨), the iconic symbol of perseverance, resilience, and good fortune in Japanese culture. Handcrafted with expressive brushwork, the figure is painted in bold red—a color traditionally associated with protection against evil spirits and misfortune. The intense blue eyes and striking black eyebrows and beard create a powerful expression that reflects Daruma's unwavering determination.
Daruma dolls are modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and are often seen as talismans of good luck and goal-setting. The round, tumbling form is a reference to the proverb "Nanakorobi yaoki" (七転び八起き)—"Fall down seven times, get up eight"—which captures the spirit of enduring life's challenges and never giving up.
As a bell, this figure adds an extra layer of meaning. The soft chime it produces is believed to invite positive energy and drive away negativity, making it an auspicious item to display in a home, office, or personal altar. Whether used decoratively or ritually, this Daruma dorei bell carries with it a message of inner strength and the promise of new beginnings.
