SCARLET MONKEY 1945

$118.00
SOLD

【The Spirit】

Where laughter wards off shadows.
Born in 1945, amidst the post-war longing for spiritual nourishment, this vibrant "Nogomi" clay bell is a celebration of resilience. In the Japanese worldview, the monkey (Saru) is not merely an animal, but a divine messenger with a linguistical superpower: "Ma-ga-saru"—a pun meaning "Evil shall depart." This object is curated not just for its form, but as a proactive vessel that cleanses the atmospheric weight of a room through its playful existence and sacred sound.

【Amulet of Crimson】

The defensive shield of Red.
The most striking element of this specimen is its brilliant "Chanchan-ko" (traditional vest). In Japanese folklore, red is the ultimate frequency of protection:

  • Barricade against Misfortune: Historically, red was believed to repel sickness and misfortune, especially for the young and the vulnerable.

  • The Red Monkey Ritual: Known as "Akamono," red monkey talismans serve as spiritual substitutes, absorbing the "Bad luck" of the household so the inhabitants remain untouched.

  • Eternal Rebirth: The red vest also mirrors the robes worn during Kanreki (the 60th birthday), symbolizing a return to the purity of a newborn and the start of a fresh cycle of life.

【The Textile Heritage】

Artistry borrowed from a loom.
Unique to this regional archive is the sophistication of the patterns. While we honor the tradition of anonymity, this bell emerges from a lineage deeply tied to high-class textile dyeing. Each brushstroke upon the clay reflects the precision of Edo-period "Sarasa" (chintz) printing. The contrast between the matte, raw texture of the "fired earth" body and the vivid shell-powder white (Gofun) face creates a visual tension that defines high-vintage Japanese folk design.

【Rhythm of the Heart】

A gentle awakening.
When lifted, the internal clay orb produces a characteristic "koro-koro" rattle. In the quiet logic of Mingei, this sound serves two purposes: to summon a moment of presence for the guardian and to symbolically shake away stagnancy. It is a "Tool of the Soul," designed to occupy the gap between physical reality and spiritual peace.

【Presence】

A vivid anchor for modern shelves.
Its rounded, compact silhouette offers an organic contrast to the sharp lines of modern electronics and glass. This "Spirit" finds its ideal home on a curated bookshelf, a bedside cabinet, or a creative workstation. It acts as a guardian of focus and a reminder that true protection often comes in humble, lighthearted forms.

【The Spirit】

Where laughter wards off shadows.
Born in 1945, amidst the post-war longing for spiritual nourishment, this vibrant "Nogomi" clay bell is a celebration of resilience. In the Japanese worldview, the monkey (Saru) is not merely an animal, but a divine messenger with a linguistical superpower: "Ma-ga-saru"—a pun meaning "Evil shall depart." This object is curated not just for its form, but as a proactive vessel that cleanses the atmospheric weight of a room through its playful existence and sacred sound.

【Amulet of Crimson】

The defensive shield of Red.
The most striking element of this specimen is its brilliant "Chanchan-ko" (traditional vest). In Japanese folklore, red is the ultimate frequency of protection:

  • Barricade against Misfortune: Historically, red was believed to repel sickness and misfortune, especially for the young and the vulnerable.

  • The Red Monkey Ritual: Known as "Akamono," red monkey talismans serve as spiritual substitutes, absorbing the "Bad luck" of the household so the inhabitants remain untouched.

  • Eternal Rebirth: The red vest also mirrors the robes worn during Kanreki (the 60th birthday), symbolizing a return to the purity of a newborn and the start of a fresh cycle of life.

【The Textile Heritage】

Artistry borrowed from a loom.
Unique to this regional archive is the sophistication of the patterns. While we honor the tradition of anonymity, this bell emerges from a lineage deeply tied to high-class textile dyeing. Each brushstroke upon the clay reflects the precision of Edo-period "Sarasa" (chintz) printing. The contrast between the matte, raw texture of the "fired earth" body and the vivid shell-powder white (Gofun) face creates a visual tension that defines high-vintage Japanese folk design.

【Rhythm of the Heart】

A gentle awakening.
When lifted, the internal clay orb produces a characteristic "koro-koro" rattle. In the quiet logic of Mingei, this sound serves two purposes: to summon a moment of presence for the guardian and to symbolically shake away stagnancy. It is a "Tool of the Soul," designed to occupy the gap between physical reality and spiritual peace.

【Presence】

A vivid anchor for modern shelves.
Its rounded, compact silhouette offers an organic contrast to the sharp lines of modern electronics and glass. This "Spirit" finds its ideal home on a curated bookshelf, a bedside cabinet, or a creative workstation. It acts as a guardian of focus and a reminder that true protection often comes in humble, lighthearted forms.

【Context】

  • Period: Mid-Showa Era (Vintage c. 1950s - 1960s)

  • Origin: Saga Prefecture (Kyoto/Himeji border styles), Japan

  • Category: Ritual Bell (Dorei)

  • Material: Regional Clay, Natural Mineral Pigments (Gofun-base)

  • Condition: Authentic Vintage. Vibrant preservation of scarlet pigment.

【Dimensions & Weight (Approx.)】

  • Height: 7 cm (2.8 in)

  • Width: 5.5 cm (2.2 in)

  • Depth: 6.5 cm (2.6 in)

  • Weight: 0.05 kg (0.11 lbs)

 

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