These clay bells depict dancers from the famous Awa Odori (阿波おどり), one of Japan’s most iconic traditional dance festivals held in Tokushima Prefecture. Hand-painted and shaped in the form of Awa Odori dancers, characterized by their charming, round forms and vibrant costumes.
Festival held during Obon, from August 12 to 15, when spirits of ancestors are believed to return to the world of the living. Features energetic and rhythmic dancing in groups called "ren" (連). Dancers wear traditional yukata and straw hats, and perform exaggerated, joyful movements to the chant:
「踊る阿呆に見る阿呆、同じ阿呆なら踊らにゃ損損」 “The dancers are fools, the watchers are fools, if both are fools, you might as well dance!”
The blue-clad figure represents a male dancer wearing a traditional patterned yukata and a white hachimaki (headband), holding a fan with calligraphy that evokes the festive spirit of the dance. The pink-clad figure represents a female dancer, distinguished by her elegant red and yellow obi and distinctive amigasa (woven straw hat), which is iconic of female Awa Odori performers.
