Vintage Kappa Bell from Japan
In Japanese folklore, Kappa—“river children”—are water spirits known for their scaly skin, turtle-like shells, webbed hands and feet, and beak-shaped mouths. They inhabit rivers and ponds and are famously tricky: Kappa love pranks, sumo wrestling, and cucumbers—but can be dangerous if disrespected. Each Kappa carries a weakness atop its head: a bowl-like depression filled with water. If the water spills, the Kappa loses its strength.
Bells have played a powerful role in Japanese culture since the Jōmon period (10,000–300 BCE), when early clay bells (dorei) were first made. In Shinto tradition, bells are used to summon the attention of the gods, bring blessings, and ward off misfortune. When combined with protective spirits, these bells serve as apotropaic charms—repelling evil with sound and symbol alike.
This vintage 1990s cheerful ceramic bell features a classic Kappa face in pale green, with furrowed brows, bulging eyes, and a bright red beak-like mouth.
Hang it near your door or workspace to protect your space, lighten the mood, and remember: even the strongest spirit can be humbled by a single drop.
Bell measures approximately 5 inches and hangs from a blue and white cord.
In Japanese folklore, Kappa—“river children”—are water spirits known for their scaly skin, turtle-like shells, webbed hands and feet, and beak-shaped mouths. They inhabit rivers and ponds and are famously tricky: Kappa love pranks, sumo wrestling, and cucumbers—but can be dangerous if disrespected. Each Kappa carries a weakness atop its head: a bowl-like depression filled with water. If the water spills, the Kappa loses its strength.
Bells have played a powerful role in Japanese culture since the Jōmon period (10,000–300 BCE), when early clay bells (dorei) were first made. In Shinto tradition, bells are used to summon the attention of the gods, bring blessings, and ward off misfortune. When combined with protective spirits, these bells serve as apotropaic charms—repelling evil with sound and symbol alike.
This vintage 1990s cheerful ceramic bell features a classic Kappa face in pale green, with furrowed brows, bulging eyes, and a bright red beak-like mouth.
Hang it near your door or workspace to protect your space, lighten the mood, and remember: even the strongest spirit can be humbled by a single drop.
Bell measures approximately 5 inches and hangs from a blue and white cord.
In Japanese folklore, Kappa—“river children”—are water spirits known for their scaly skin, turtle-like shells, webbed hands and feet, and beak-shaped mouths. They inhabit rivers and ponds and are famously tricky: Kappa love pranks, sumo wrestling, and cucumbers—but can be dangerous if disrespected. Each Kappa carries a weakness atop its head: a bowl-like depression filled with water. If the water spills, the Kappa loses its strength.
Bells have played a powerful role in Japanese culture since the Jōmon period (10,000–300 BCE), when early clay bells (dorei) were first made. In Shinto tradition, bells are used to summon the attention of the gods, bring blessings, and ward off misfortune. When combined with protective spirits, these bells serve as apotropaic charms—repelling evil with sound and symbol alike.
This vintage 1990s cheerful ceramic bell features a classic Kappa face in pale green, with furrowed brows, bulging eyes, and a bright red beak-like mouth.
Hang it near your door or workspace to protect your space, lighten the mood, and remember: even the strongest spirit can be humbled by a single drop.
Bell measures approximately 5 inches and hangs from a blue and white cord.
