This is a vintage dorei (土鈴) clay bell shaped like a Hyūga kabocha 日向かぼちゃ or Hyūga pumpkin, coming from Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Japan. Carefully molded and painted by hand, this bell embodies the charm of local agricultural motifs transformed into folk art.
The bell is crafted to resemble a small, rounded pumpkin with deeply carved ridges and a realistic stem. Its surface is painted in a vivid turquoise green, a striking and unconventional color choice that gives it a unique folk-art character. A contrasting bright red fruit or bud, attached with a bent wire, adds a playful and ornamental touch. From the top, a purple braided cord is threaded through, allowing the bell to be hung or carried.
Hyūga, now part of Miyazaki Prefecture, is known for its warm climate and rich farmland, and the kabocha (Japanese pumpkin or squash) is a symbol of abundance, nourishment, and good harvest. In traditional belief, pumpkin-themed charms are also associated with health and warding off evil, particularly in winter when kabocha is eaten during the winter solstice to promote vitality.
This bell likely served as an omiyage (souvenir) or a local good-luck charm, capturing both the cultural identity of the region and a sense of seasonal celebration. Its warm, rustic craftsmanship and the gentle tone it produces when rung speak to the enduring connection between folk traditions, nature, and everyday life in rural Japan.
Size: 6 x 5 x 4cm
