🎎 Japanese Red Oni Ceramic Bell (Dorei) – Mid-Showa Era – Japan Antique Roadshow

This small ceramic bell in the shape of a red oni (ogre) is a bold example of mid-Showa folk craftsmanship, likely dating from the 1960s or 1970s. Crafted from ceramic with a deep red glaze and black facial detailing, the bell carries a mellow rattle when shaken and retains a vivid presence despite its modest size.

In Japanese folklore, akaoni (red oni) represent ferocity, passion, and danger—often portrayed as fearsome ogres. Their blue counterparts (aoni) are usually seen as more calm and calculating. Together, they are symbolic of the duality of human nature. While generally depicted as menacing, oni can also appear in moral tales as cautionary figures or even unlikely protectors. This bell, with its expressive features and worn patina, suggests it may have once decorated a household altar or children's space—not as a tourist souvenir, but as a meaningful folk object.

The tradition of dorei (土鈴, clay bells) in Japan dates back centuries. Originally used in rituals to ward off evil spirits, these bells eventually became cherished folk crafts, often shaped into animals, figures, or regional icons. Bells without place names are typically not mass-produced souvenirs, but rather handcrafted items sold locally or gifted for special occasions.

📏 Approximate dimensions:

• Height: 7 cm

• Width: 8 cm

• Depth: 4.5 cm

• Weight: ~70 g

• Era: Mid-Showa (c. 1960s–70s)

• Material: Glazed ceramic

• Condition: Good vintage condition with signs of age (scuffing, light wear, no cracks or chips)

Curated in Shizuoka City by Kurt Bell, this piece offers a playful yet meaningful glimpse into Japanese folklore and mid-century domestic life.

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