🎎 Japan Antique Oni Bell of Good Fortune - Mid-Showa Era Ceramic Charm
🎎 This delightful and expressive ceramic bell takes the playful shape of an oni—a traditional Japanese ogre or spirit—rendered in vibrant red with hand-painted golden swirls, wide eyes, and comical white fangs. A purple braided cord is affixed through the top, making this both a functional bell and a decorative hanging charm. The front of the figure bears the bold calligraphy 大吉 (daikichi), which translates to "Great Fortune"—a powerful message of blessing and positivity in Japanese culture, often associated with omikuji (shrine fortunes) and New Year’s traditions.
This is not a mass-produced item but a unique, handcrafted object likely originating in the mid-Showa period (circa 1950s–70s). It stands about 7 cm tall and 4.5 cm wide, weighing approximately 50 grams. Its age is evidenced by the beautiful wear—small chips, scratches, and a warm patina—all adding to its story and appeal.
Discovered in Shizuoka Prefecture, this bell would have likely been used as a charm for protection or luck, perhaps in a home, shop, or even as part of a festival display. Now, it’s ready to carry its cheerful, auspicious spirit into a new space, where it can bring both sound and sentiment.
Welcome to the Japan Antique Roadshow channel. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan with me. I'm available on Facebook and Google+ if you have questions or just want to chat and say hi. I can also be found at the JVLOG forum with other Japan-related content creators. All links are listed below. I look forward to meeting you on-line. Have a great day! (KB)
Hand-selected by Kurt Bell in Shizuoka City, this little oni bell is more than just an ornament—it’s a whisper of tradition, a token of joy, and a symbol of enduring good fortune, captured in clay and time.
Embark with Kurt, an American journeyman born in 1964, as he delves into Japan's rich mosaic of art, tradition, and spirituality. With Stoic reflections and wisdom from Going Alone, every artifact he showcases becomes a portal to a storied past, echoing tales of beauty, resilience, and human ingenuity. 🌄📚🎎
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Quality Guarantee & Returns
- Quality is guaranteed. If there is a print error or visible quality issue, we'll replace or refund it.
- Because the products are made to order, we do not accept general returns or sizing-related returns.
