This unglazed terracotta clay bell (dorei) from the revered Ise Jingū depicts a rooster, a sacred creature in Shinto tradition known to herald the dawn and drive away darkness. Handcrafted with natural clay and left in its raw earthen tone, the rooster's form is elegantly simple yet powerful, embodying purity and protection.
Stamped with the official seal of Ise Jingū (伊勢神宮), this bell is more than a decorative item—it is a spiritual token, often given as an omamori (protective charm) to bring good fortune, ward off evil spirits, and invite blessings of clarity and renewal. The string loop allows it to be hung in the home or sacred spaces as a symbol of devotion.
Ise Jingū, located in Mie Prefecture, is Japan’s most venerated Shinto shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu-Ōmikami, the Sun Goddess. Bells such as this one are sold at the shrine, especially during the New Year and zodiac transitions, to mark the changing of time with hope and gratitude.
