A vintage ceramic dragon bell (dorei) is a vibrant piece of Japanese folk artistry, beautifully shaped into a coiled dragon with a bold, serpentine form. Crafted from ceramic and hand-painted in white with vivid blue scale-like markings, the bell features a fierce dragon’s head complete with red mouth, blue eyes, and black detailing. A golden cord loop at the top allows for hanging as a decorative or spiritual item.
The sculpted dragon-like facial features—including the defined snout, flared nose, and mythic expression as a dragon (龍 / ryū). In Japanese culture, dragons are powerful protectors and symbols of strength, wisdom, and divine blessings, often invoked during the New Year or Year of the Dragon (辰年). Dorei is a traditional handcrafted bell made from clay or ceramic, these bells produce a soft, pleasant sound when shaken. Often sold at shrines or festivals as charms to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The sound of the bell is believed to purify the surrounding environment and attract positive energy.
