This Sakai Minato-yaki 堺湊焼 Zodiac Ema – Rooster 干支絵馬 is a traditional dorei clay bell (土鈴) inspired by the wooden votive plaques known as ema found at Japanese shrines.
The bell is shaped like a small shrine plaque or house form, echoing the design of traditional 絵馬 (ema) used for writing wishes and prayers. Made from unglazed clay with a warm, earthy tone, the surface features a hand-painted depiction of the rooster (酉)—the tenth animal of the Japanese zodiac. The rooster is rendered in a lively folk-art style with a bright red comb, white body, and bold black tail feathers, giving the piece a playful yet symbolic character. A rustic braided fiber cord is attached at the top, allowing the bell to be hung as a decorative charm.
Produced in Sakai Minato-yaki (堺湊焼) style, this piece reflects the simplicity and warmth of regional Japanese folk ceramics. The natural clay body and hand-painted motif emphasize a handmade aesthetic typical of traditional dorē bells. Inside the hollow body is a small clay pellet that produces a soft, pleasant chime when moved—sounds that have long been believed to purify spaces and ward off misfortune.
The rooster (酉) in the zodiac symbolizes diligence, courage, and prosperity. In Japanese belief it is also associated with the arrival of the sun and the promise of new beginnings, making it an auspicious motif for protection and good fortune.
