Making ceramic “ox” bells at Jindaiji Temple

On the “Sando” approach to Jindaiji, ceramic store Musashino Jindaiji Gama has become awash recently with the form of the ox, or “ushi,” -- the zodiac sign for the coming year. 

In a typical year the store will produce around 8,000 pieces of ceramic ox. With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus though, 2020 has been far from a typical year. Despite this, however, the store has still managed to create some 3,000 pieces. 

“We’ve had to employ more creative and innovative thinking this year, like making figures of Amabie (a famous Japanese "yokai" goblin believed to keep diseases at bay),” said store representative Mr Baba. 

(Ceramic bells in the form of Amabie, Musashino Jindaiji Gama, Chofu)

The painting of the faces on the ceramic bells is applied by hand with every single one having a different expression. Particular care and attention is paid to the eyes which are said to be the most revealing aspect of the expression. Many people enjoy searching through the pieces to find their favorite expression. 

This season, in order to avoid crowding during “Hatsumode,” the first temple visit of the year, visitors to Jindaiji are encouraged to visit outside of the traditional (and peak) period. With this in mind why not stop by Musashino Jindaiji Gama to or from “Saisakimode” -- a temple visit in December to pray for an auspicious beginning to the coming year?!

About the ceramic bells - dorei / 土鈴

Dorei are bells made from clay commonly used in pottery. The bells have been made as talisman since ancient times. Today the bells can often be purchased as toys from a variety of outlets. They also take the form of amulets that can be obtained at Japan’s temples and shrines.

In Japan the zodiac calendar, for which a representative animal (one of 12) is assigned to each year in a 12-year cycle, is recognized by many. The ox will be the sign of the zodiac for 2021.   

Using the ceramic bells in the form of an ox as a kind of lucky charm, people will pray for the coming year to be one free of disaster. 

(Musashino Jindaiji Gama on the approach to Jindaiji Temple, Chofu)