Footed Rin Bell "Yuki" – Shibuichi Finish

This footed rin, raised on small legs, is designed to hold the beautiful resonance of its sound wherever you set it down — no dedicated stand or cushion required. It is an orin that can be sounded either by striking or by stroking. Placed on a table or held in the hand, it offers a clear tone with a long, lingering resonance.

The finish is shibuichi-iro. A calm, grey metallic hue reminiscent of oxidized silver lends the piece a quiet dignity.

The bell itself is made of copper alloy, and the accompanying striker of wood. Shaped like a kokeshi doll or a chess piece, the striker tapers to a small sphere at its tip; striking the bell with this sphere draws out a clear, pure tone. This shape, which allows the striker to stand on its own, was developed more than 20 years ago and is patented as a space-saving striker design. Run the striker along the side of the body and it will sound a friction tone much like a singing bowl.

The copper alloy is cast using the techniques of Takaoka Doki, the copperware tradition handed down in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, and each piece is finished by the hands of a craftsman.

For moments of meditation or for settling the mind, or even as part of listening to music — it brings into everyday life a time for listening closely to a clear, pure sound.