antique bronze bell omamori set - lucky charms for protection

Love Japanese Style like We Do

Bring a touch of timeless tradition into your home with this exquisite set of three antique Shinto bronze bell lucky charms, or omamori. Each bell boasts a beautiful, rich patina that speaks of its age and history, adding a unique, vintage charm to any space. These bells aren't just decorative; they are imbued with centuries of spiritual significance, believed to offer blessings, protection, and good fortune to those who possess them.

Omamori, traditional Japanese amulets sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, have long been cherished for their power to ward off evil and bring peace. These small charms carried the spirit of the shrines and temples they came from, offering both protection and divine connection to those who could not frequent shrines and temples regularly. Displayed on a kamidana (god shelf) or Buddhist home altar, they served as a reminder of the sacred and were a medium for daily prayer.

The Meiji-era bells, a set in descending size, are reminiscent of a jingle bell. The bells are hollow, with internal pellets that produce a soft, rolling sound, believed to drive away evil spirits and draw the attention of the kami (gods). Their well-worn, slightly dented exteriors only add to their allure, enhancing their role as both spiritual symbols and beautiful decor.

Let these antique bells bring blessings into your life!

- small bell measures around 7 cm (2.8”) tall x 5.5 cm (2.2”) in circumference.
- medium bell measures around 8 cm (3.1”) tall x 6.5 cm (2.6”) in circumference.
- larger bell measures around 9.5 cm (3.7”) tall x 8.5 cm (3.3”) in circumference.
- total weight 180 gm.

(listing for set of three bells, stand not included)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy.
- we use recycle packaging and wrap for safety, rather than appearance.

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

OMAMORI
Omamori are traditional Japanese amulets or good luck charms believed to protect against evil and bring good fortune. A fusion of Buddhist amulet traditions and Shinto charms, omamori gained widespread popularity during the Tokugawa period of 17th-century Japan. They are typically sold at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

The concept of protective talismans in Japan dates back to the Jomon era (14,000 - 300 BCE), when people wore comma-shaped stones known as magatama to ward off evil spirits.

The closest predecessor to today’s omamori appeared during the Heian period (794–1185), about 1,000 years ago. During this time, the influence of temples and shrines grew significantly. Individuals known as Oshi, or temple emissaries, traveled across Japan to spread faith and acquire new followers. While many people wanted to visit the shrines or temples, commoners often had no means of transportation to do so. To bridge this gap, the Oshi would leave pieces of wood or stone near people’s homes - omamori, offering them the same protection and blessings that the temple or shrine could provide.

In Shinto, Japan's indigenous belief system, kami (gods or spirits) are thought to offer protection and blessings. Early forms of amulets or protective symbols in Shinto were crafted from natural materials like wood, paper, or metal and were used to invoke the power of the kami. These early charms, called ofuda, were inscribed with the name of a deity or spirit, believed to offer protection. Over time, these evolved into more personal, portable forms of protection, eventually taking shape as the small cloth bags we know today as omamori, which contain sacred prayers or inscriptions.

From around the 6th century, with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, temples began distributing amulets believed to bring good fortune, health, or assist with specific personal needs. These omamori were often linked to deities or Buddhist figures. 

By the Kamakura period (12th–14th centuries), the practice of carrying personal amulets for protection became fully integrated into both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The samurai, in particular, were often given protective charms to help them survive on the battlefield.

In the Tokugawa period (1615–1867), it became common for people to carry omamori purchased from religious institutions. These charms were worn around the neck, kept in pockets, or carried in small cases attached to their obi (belts).

Types of Omamori:
Fukuro Mamori – Bag-shaped pouches that typically contain a piece of paper or wood inscribed with prayers, mantras, or the name of a deity. The pouch is often tied with a decorative knot. Variants include charms for health (kenko), success in studies (gakugyo), safety in travel (anzen), protection from accidents (kōshin), and good relationships or marriage (en-musubi).
Omamori-ya – Arrow-shaped amulets, commonly referred to as Hama-ya. "Hama" symbolizes the idea of "beating" evil spirits away.
Mamori Fuda – Wooden amulets. The inner prayer or inscription of hukuro mamori is also often in the form of ofuda. These are traditionally wrapped in white paper, believed to preserve their power and purity.
Suzu Mamori – Bell-shaped charms. The clear sound of the bell is believed to ward off evil spirits, offering protection to the bearer.
Unique Mamori – Some temples and shrines create omamori that reflect their particular symbolism. For example, Mikami Shrine in Kyoto, which is associated with "hair," creates omamori shaped like small combs.