[Gion Matsuri] Clay Bell - Lantern Design

[Gion Matsuri] Clay Bell - Lantern Design features rows of lanterns from a Gion Matsuri night painted on a small, rounded clay bell.
It was created by Kyoto doll artist Koen Shimada.

The white bell is decorated with rows of lanterns featuring red and black patterns. A blue wash forms the background, with orange lines and the Japanese characters “Gion Matsuri” written in red. The slight variations in the lines and colors give the lively atmosphere of a Gion Matsuri night a warm and approachable character.

When shaken, the bell produces a gentle, hollow, rustic sound that differs from the clear ring of a metal bell.
Its compact size makes it easy to display in an entryway, on a shelf, or alongside seasonal decorations. It also makes a fitting addition to a Kyoto-inspired summer display or a thoughtful gift.

Koen Shimada is the fifth-generation doll artist at the Shimada Koen doll workshop, which was established in 1859.
While preserving the forms and techniques passed down through generations, he creates works for the present day that express the refined beauty inherited from Gosho dolls and the tradition of entrusting people’s wishes to dolls.

This item is available for a limited time during the Gion Matsuri season.