bell

Amulet (omamori) (a) in the shape of a purple eggplant with a faded white patch on its side and a bell attached to a synthetic purple cord. The eggplant shaped container has the characters for Amanohashidate and Monju-do written on its side and can be opened by unscrewing the stalk: contains the amuletic piece itself (b), a minute golden representation of the deity Monju riding a mythical lion. The amulet is sold mounted on a card (c) which is printed with place-names, Amanohashidate and Monju-do, as well as added information on the specific function of this amulet as a 'nasu omamori', for personal success.