*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a reasonably large bell made around 20 years ago.  It is made of low-fired earthenware and moulded to resemble a dashi.  Dashi are floats that are paraded during festivals usually during spring or autumn.  Spring festivals are usually associated with prayers before planting season, and the autumn festivals are to give thanks for harvests at the end of the growing season.  There are also festivals to pray for local prosperity and the health and happiness of families.  Some famous festivals with floats like the bell in this listing are Kawagoe matsuri in Saitama, the Sawara Grand matsuri in Chiba, and Takayama matsuri in Gifu.  This bell came from Kawagoe so it’s highly possible it’s a Kawagoe matsuri dashi. 

Pottery bells, or dorei as they are known in Japanese, are usually sold as souvenirs and can be found all over Japan. Dorei usually have a coloured string attached through a hole on top and contain a hard ceramic ball inside that clatters when shaken or moved around. Traditionally they were purchased as lucky charms from temples or shrines, but these days you can buy them as mementos of places you have visited.

Size

H.12.5cm including the string (4.9”) x L.11.8cm (4.6”) x W.9.3cm (3.6”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from some worn glaze/enamel on the bottom.  It has a slightly wonky shape/tilt which gives it more of a handmade appearance.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.