What are these Kabuki (?) faces with a bell inside & Japanese characters on back?

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by journeymagazine, Jan 23, 2022.

  1. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    Can anyone tell me what these are? They look like the masks worn in a Japanese kabuki play & have a bell or bells inside & make a nice sound when shook?
    They are small - around 4"
    My first thought when I saw them was they were Polynesian Christmas tree ornaments - or an unusual pair of finger cymbals (like zils used in belly dancing), but they have Japanese characters on the back that made me realize they must be something else?
    What do they say on the back?
    Thanks for any help

    BELL FACE SMILING 1AA.JPG BELL FACE SMILING 2AA.JPG BELL FACE SMILING 2AAA.JPG BELL FACE SMILING 3AA.JPG BELL FACE SMILING 4AA.JPG BELL FACE SMILING 4AAA.JPG
     
    journeymagazine, Jan 23, 2022
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  2. Roaring20s

    Roaring20s Well-Known Member

    Roaring20s, Jan 23, 2022
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    bercrystal, Bronwen and kyratango like this.
  3. journeymagazine

    journeymagazine Well-Known Member

    Wow - thank you!
     
    journeymagazine, Jan 23, 2022
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  4. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    I have a small collection of these. I bought them as Japanese 'shop bells'. It's hard not to keep finding another one you like.
     
    Bronwen, Jan 23, 2022
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