Vintage Nogomi Dolls Set of 2 Japanese Boar Zodiac Clay Bells

A charming set of two vintage Nogomi clay bells from Saga Prefecture, Japan, both depicting the boar from the Japanese zodiac.

Although they share the same animal motif, the two pieces have distinctly different forms, colors, and personalities.

One has a warm earthy red body with bold painted details and decorative ties, while the other has a lighter, more natural clay-toned body with a wonderfully simplified sculptural form.

Displayed together, they make a particularly expressive pair of Japanese folk objects.

NOGOMI DOLLS

Nogomi dolls are traditional folk toys made in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, Japan.

The tradition began in the years following World War II, when the dolls were created with the hope of bringing a sense of joy and warmth during a difficult period.

They later became associated with Yutoku Inari Shrine and have long been appreciated as good-luck and protective folk objects.

Nogomi dolls are handmade from clay and individually decorated with pigments, giving each piece its own character and subtle variations.

ZODIAC BOAR BELLS

Both pieces in this set represent the boar, or "inoshishi" (亥), one of the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac.

They are traditional dorei — small clay bells that produce a gentle rattling sound when moved.

Their simplified animal forms, hand-painted surfaces, and compact scale give them a distinctly Japanese folk-art character while also making them wonderful small sculptural objects for a contemporary interior.

SIZE

Red / earthy-colored boar:
Approx. 8 cm / 3.15 in wide
Approx. 5 cm / 1.97 in high

Light-colored boar:
Approx. 8 cm / 3.15 in wide
Approx. 4 cm / 1.57 in high

Set: 2 pieces
Material: Clay
Type: Dorei clay bells / folk dolls
Motif: Boar / Japanese zodiac
Origin: Saga Prefecture, Japan

Includes original storage box.

CONDITION

Excellent vintage condition.

Both pieces are unused items that have been preserved in long-term storage.

They remain in remarkably clean and beautiful condition.

Very minor signs associated with age or long-term storage may be present. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

As these are handmade folk objects, subtle irregularities in shape, surface, painting, and coloration are inherent characteristics of the pieces rather than defects.

The photographs show the actual two-piece set you will receive.