This dorei clay bell features a whimsical monkey figure, handcrafted and painted in soft white with vibrant accents. The monkey holds ritual implements used in Shinto shrines with the character 福 (fuku, meaning "good fortune") symbols often associated with wealth and auspicious blessings in Japanese culture.
Marked with the seal 八幡宮 (Hachimangū) on the back, this bell originates from a shrine devoted to Hachiman, the Shinto god of warriors and a revered protector of people, homes, and communities. The bell also bears the inscription 厄除 (yakuyoke), which refers to protection against misfortune and evil spirits—making this bell not only a delightful folk craft but also a talisman for safety and well-being. Traditionally used during festivals or as omamori (protective charms), dorei bells like this one are believed to purify spaces with their sound and attract positive energy. This monkey figure—symbolizing cleverness, agility, and warding off bad luck—makes the piece especially meaningful for collectors of Japanese folk art and spiritual items alike.
