earthenware toy of a monkey on a deer
Traditional Japanese folk toy, often a bell, depicting a monkey seated on a deer. Associated with good luck or as a souvenir.
The deer-monkey toy is sometimes displayed as a lucky charm.
This deer-monkey toy is made of clay and makes a sound when shaken.
Compound of 鹿 (shika, 'deer') and 猿 (saru, 'monkey'), with rendaku voicing of さる to ざる. The exact origin of the toy is uncertain, but it likely combines auspicious animals from Japanese folklore.