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

This listing is for a vintage rat bell made around 15 years ago. It is made of earthenware and painted with white matte gesso and decorated with the three friends of winter.  Bamboo, matsu pine and ume are admired in both Japan and China as they do not wither against the cold of winter.  All three plants are regarded as auspicious and are believed to symbolise endurance and strength.  The bell has a small loop and red string attached to the top to enable easy handling. It was most likely made to commemorate the Year of the Rat back in 2008. 

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.6.2cm (2.4”) x L.9.5cm (3.7”) x W.4.7cm (1.8”)

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from a mark under the nose and some faint marks on the bottom.

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.