When living in Yokosuka and then Okinawa in '77-83, ( courtesy of the US Navy, '77-83,), we happened upon pottery bells which we were told were "Hakata bells". They are an earthen type, low fired, mostly unglazed, small 1" - 3" bells. Some are decorated and painted, others have just pottery faces pinched into the clay-some cute, some pretty, some grotesque but all very simple. Over the years, we have come to love these bells, and use them on our Christmas tree where they each have a special place. (Come to think of it, some of our most favorite Christmas ornaments are from Japan and not traditional Christmas ornaments.)
We would like very much to know what they are called, where they are from and how to purchase more. We have tried various searches for hakata bells, earthen bells, dorei, japanese bells, with no luck. Any help would be appreciated.
We would like very much to know what they are called, where they are from and how to purchase more. We have tried various searches for hakata bells, earthen bells, dorei, japanese bells, with no luck. Any help would be appreciated.