Clay bells from Mount Hiko, praying for the harmony of married couples
The unglazed clay bell "Hikosan Rattle" is known as a typical lucky charm in the Hikosan region of Fukuoka Prefecture. The small unglazed bell is painted red to represent the sun and blue to represent water, and its name is said to come from the rattling sound it makes.
Its origins date back to ancient times, when Emperor Mommu made an imperial prayer to Mount Hiko during a drought in the Keiun era, and rain fell beautifully. A bell dedicated as a token of gratitude later became associated with faith, and in 1189, the lord of a castle in Hizen had a clay bell made in imitation of the bell and dedicated it to Mount Hiko.
These bells, said to be the oldest clay bells in Japan, are currently made only at one pottery factory, Hiko-san Garagara Suzurui Kiln. In addition to traditional bells, this pottery factory also produces a variety of other clay bells.
This clay bell, with two sea bream in the shape of a pair, is a bell for the safety of the home. 660 yen. 
Three-faced skulls of Otafuku, Oni, and Tengu, 660 yen. (All from Hikosan Garagara Suzurui Kiln, Tel: 0947-85-0169)
These bells, said to be the oldest clay bells in Japan, are currently made only by one potter, the Hiko-san Garagara Suzurui Kiln. In addition to traditional bells, this pottery has also handed down a variety of other clay bells. The one pictured above is a clay bell with a pair of sea bream, known as "celebratory sea bream," and is a bell for the safety of the household.
