After a visit to a Shinto shrine, New York City-based artist Michelle Quan created these evocative ceramic bells.
In Japan, she observed visitors ringing clusters of metal suzu bells at shrines, to announce their presence to the spirits. Quan started out by studying photography, but while in school, she cofounded a jewelry company. “[It’s why] I like work to hang and why I make pieces that get assembled together,” she notes. The clay bells are crafted using a combination of hand-throwing and slipcast techniques, and come in two-tone rustic glazes.
Above: The Large Two-Tone Jingle Bell is 5 inches in diameter; $198 each.
Above: The Twisted Rope Two-Tone Jingle Bell hangs from a 33-inch length of macramel; $290.
Above: The Small Two-Tone Jingle Bell is 3 inches in diameter; $99 each.
Above: The Medium Two-Tone Jingle Bell is 4 inches in diameter; $150 each. Quan sells her bells through Una in Portland, Oregon; contact the store to order.
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