Set of 2 "Hikosan Gara-Gara" Japanese Handmade Claybells
 
These humble-looking bells are all handmade by Mr. Shinozaki and the farming commuity using local clay and dried rice stalks.  They are wood fired by a small kiln at 900 degree for 24 hours at his farm-house then hand-painted and hand tied.   Very small batch production so availability is limited. 
 
The Gara-Gara Set comes with:
one small bundle of 5 garagara
one large garagara 
 
The color Red symbolizes the sun and the Blue symbolizes water, both are essences of Life.  Traditionally (and still being practiced in Soeda Village) farmers would bury the bells near the water source of the farmland for good harvest or hang them at the entrance of the door to keep all evils out.  These bells are much treasured by the locals living near Mount Hiko in Japan.
 
HOW TO USE:
As amulet to guard the house, hang the small bundle at the front entrance by the door, or at the threshold of the house.
Then hang the large bell at the back door.   If you live in apartment without a back door, hang the large gara-gara at the main window or the balcony door. 
 
As a decoration, these hand-made claybells makes exceptional gifts for housewarming, wedding and birthday.  It is loaded with positive meanings and rich with history of Japan.  At first glance it makes you smile (as garagara is always a smiley); as it rattles, you giggle.  Add them to your seasonal wreaths, christmas tree or hang them by the fireplace!   We actually use it as a door chime for our studio (double as a guardian talisman!)
 
NOTE:
The folk craft clay bells are handmade by the farming community of Soeda, not mass-produced by mold or in factories.  Each one is different and it is the touches of the makers that makes them unique and special. 
This is not a toy. 
Just like pottery, the ceramics bells do break or crack if they fall on hard surfaces. 
Boxed separately as shown on photo.  Fragile.