A vintage dorei clay bell crafted in the form of a seated monkey. Dorei (土鈴) are traditional Japanese earthenware bells, often made of clay, that are hollow inside and produce a soft, pleasant sound when shaken. They are commonly sold as charms at Shinto shrines and are believed to bring good fortune, protection, and happiness.
Unglazed clay, shaped and painted. The face, ears, and snout are painted bright red, a color often symbolizing protection and vitality in Japanese culture. The kanji 福 (fuku) is written in red on the monkey’s chest, meaning good fortune or happiness.
A red seal stamp with shrine-related characters (霧島神宮, Kirishima Jingū—a famous Shinto shrine in Kagoshima, Japan) indicates the place of origin.
Monkeys have special significance in Japanese folklore and Shinto beliefs. They are sometimes seen as divine messengers, warding off evil and misfortune. A monkey-shaped dorei bell such as this one would have been purchased as a charm during a shrine visit, especially around the Year of the Monkey in the zodiac cycle.
