A dragon dorei clay bell by Yakushigama (薬師窯), one of Japan’s most beloved ceramic workshops, celebrated for its auspicious zodiac ornaments and folk-inspired designs.
This piece depicts a cheerful stylized dragon (辰 / tatsu) with a rounded body and an expressive head, finished in a vivid warm orange-red tone with gold accents. The front is decorated with an auspicious floral motif in white, green, and blue, giving the bell a festive and joyful New Year character. A red cord is attached at the back, and the piece is accompanied by its original box, adding to its collectible appeal.
In the Japanese zodiac, the dragon is associated with strength, vitality, prosperity, protection, and success. As the only mythical creature among the twelve zodiac animals, it holds a particularly powerful and auspicious place in Japanese culture, making dragon ornaments especially popular for New Year display and seasonal decoration.
Crafted in Seto, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s historic pottery centres, Yakushigama continues a ceramic tradition that stretches back more than a thousand years. Their works are appreciated for combining traditional symbolism with approachable design and the warm charm of Japanese folk ceramics.
Size: 7 x 5 x 7cm
