"The Rabbit in the Moon pounding Mochi" - hard enamel pin from my rabbits in folk lore series!

Silver plate

Available in Pearl or White Glitter effect

~1.5 inches across

Double clutches

Artist Back stamp

Arrives on 2x3 illustrated presentation card

The motif of the rabbit in the moon pounding mochi (rice cakes) is a well-known and beloved folktale in various East Asian cultures, including Japan, China, and Korea. While there are variations of the story, the central theme remains consistent across different versions.

In Japanese folklore, the story typically goes like this: Long ago, the Heavenly Emperor sent three animals—an old monkey, a wise fox, and a kind rabbit—on a journey to Earth to test the kindness of humans. Along their journey, they encountered a poor old man who was hungry. Each of the animals offered to help the man in their own way. The monkey gathered fruit from the trees, the fox hunted for fish, and the rabbit, unable to find any food, offered itself to the man as a meal. Touched by the rabbit's selflessness, the old man revealed himself as the Heavenly Emperor and spared the rabbit. To honor the rabbit's sacrifice, the Heavenly Emperor placed its image on the moon for all to see.

In Chinese and Korean versions of the folktale, the story shares similarities with the Japanese version, but there are variations in the details and cultural interpretations. While in Japan his image is commonly said to be pounding mochi to make mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival, in China he’s often said to be grinding medicinal herbs in a pestle.

The image of the rabbit in the moon has become a symbol of kindness, sacrifice, and selflessness in East Asian cultures. It is often depicted in traditional art, literature, and cultural celebrations, serving as a reminder of the value of compassion.