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

This listing is for an earthenware Namahage bell from Akita Prefecture.  Namahage are demon-like beings from Japanese folklore. They are usually portrayed by young men wearing oversized ogre masks and traditional straw capes during New Year, and then again during a large festival in February. During the New Year ritual, Namahage make the rounds of houses in their villages. They burst into these houses searching for new community members such as young wives and children. They shout out menacing cries such as: "Any children crying?" "Are any children disobeying their parents?" or "Any lazy daughters-in-law neglecting their work?" The Namahage are then offered sake and mochi, prompting them to take leave of that house and move to the next. Traditionally the red mask represents a male demon, whilst a blue or green mask is symbolic of a female demon.

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.                               

Sizes

Paper Box:  H.8.5cm (3.3”) x 10.8cm (4.2”) x 10.3cm (4”)

Bell:  H.8.7cm (3.4”) x 7cm (2.7”) across x 6.6cm (2.5”) from back to front                             

Condition

It’s in very good condition with no chips or cracks.                                                               

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.