Japan
Iwate Profecture, Honshu Island

Bronze
Early 20th century
Height: 2 inches; Bell Width: 1.75 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Bells

Kotobuki – means “longevity” with “長”, but most often when the term is used alone, it means congratulations or is a sign or mark for the expression of celebration and rejoicing. This kotobuki wind chime/bell called furin, is used for good luck. It is made from Nambu (Nambu tekki) ironware.

Nambu tekki is a 900-year-old ironware industry that is specific to the Iwate Prefecture (State/Provence) of Japan.  Iwate is located on the main island of Honshu.  This ironware industry is most known for making kettles and teapots.  However, other functional and decorative objects are also produced using the same casting methods.  The most famous foundries still in operation belong to the Iwachu Company, founded in 1902 by Sueyoshi Iwashimizu, who was born in the region from which this form originated.  This classic style Iwachu windbell comes from the Iwachu Company and today is called furin; “fu’ for wind and “rin” is bell in Japanese. During the Heian and Kamakura Period (794-1333 C.E.), it was believed that whenever there was a strong wind, it brought misfortune, disease, and evil energy.  Spiritual objects, such as the bell-shaped bronze wind chimes called futaku were hung up in sacred places, such as shrines and temples, to give comfort and to avoid epidemics and ward off evil. These Japanese wind chimes were first made of bronze, but towards the 18^th century, Dutch glass making techniques were introduced into Japan and changed not only the material but also the sound, design, and the name changed to furin.  This is vintage bronze furin from the early 20th century, that was most likely hung in a temples.