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The Japanese bells Furin (風鈴) and the sound of the wind
Furin (fūrin / fuurin) are Japanese wind bells, known and used in Japan during hot summer days.
In English the meaning of the Japanese words Fu (wind) and Rin (bell) (風鈴) is 'wind bell'. The Furins comfort people during the sultry heat of summer,
when a little wind, which cools the hot summer temperature, makes them play. Since the Muromachi period (1333-1568)
the Furin and their sound are often identified as the "sound of summer". The sound and vibrations produced by the Furin when they play
are reminiscent of the harmonies of nature and can have a refreshing effect on the body and mind.
The Furin are left to tinkle at the entrance of the houses, as it is believed that their sound keeps evil spirits away from the houses.
They can have different shapes, often they are hand painted and decorated with pictures.
These images can include beautiful motifs that are inspired by the Japanese tradition.
A brief history of the Furin:
In ancient Japan, people believed that the arrival of strong winds in the hot summer would cause an epidemic in the country.
So, to be alerted and prevent the spread of evil spirits, a bronze wind chime called Futaku was built,
which hung on the 4 corners of the roofs of sacred places such as Buddhist shrines and temples.
The simplest version of Futaku was the Furin, initially hung in the arcades of the houses of the rich Japanese.
During the hottest and humid season they warned, with their sound, against disease and evil spirits.
How Furins Are Made:
The first Furin arrived from China, were made of bronze or other types of metals.
However, in the 18th century, Dutch glassmaking techniques were imported from Europe and quickly adopted by the glassblowing artisans of Nagasaki.
The new glass Furin becomes very popular thanks to its particular sound. Even today the Furins are mainly made with traditional glass processing techniques,
but in some parts of Japan ceramic or metal are also used. The most popular are the Furins made from Okinawan Ryukyu glass, Iwate's Nambu Iron Furins, and Toyama's Takaoka Bronze Furins.
The traditional processing techniques of the Furin have been handed down for many generations.
The little heart (zetsu) is a small object inside the Furin. It is inserted into a soft rope, from which a strip of paper or wood hangs at the bottom (tanzaku).
This part catches the wind and plays the Furin. Like a musical instrument it produces a sound, which varies according to the material, shape and size of the Furin.
For this reason the Furin produces a sound that can be deep or high-pitched.
Furin form:
There are also particular animal-shaped Furin, such as Maneki-Neko, Shiba-Inu, frog, owl, turtle, fish, etc.
They can also take the form of popular characters such as the monk Jizo, Daruma or Teru-Teru, or simply the traditional Japanese bell shape.
Furin placement:
The Furins are usually found in front of the entrance doors of the houses,
but they can also be placed near the windows, hanging from the eaves, on terraces or balconies where there is a little wind.
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Personal use:
In Japan, Furins are also known as wind reminders or greetings.
There are often personal wishes written by the owner of the Furin on the bottom of the paper.
When the Furin plays in the wind, it sends a message to the owner to remind him of the wishes he expressed.
For some it may simply have a decorative function. So, in any case, it is a nice gift for family and friends, to remember a wish or an event.
Article written by Vladimir Zaicek, Maria Grazia Simeone, Marco Morelli