Furin are small bells made traditionally from glass but nowadays are made from all sorts of materials including metal, pottery, or bamboo. To help catch the wind and enhance its chime, a feather or more commonly a sturdy sheet of paper that hangs downwards is attached to the bell. The piece of paper commonly has a poem or a brief message written by the person who gave it to you. They are generally hung indoors near a window, or outside from the eaves.
In the late Edo period (1603-1867) glass furin could be heard at every corner of the town of Edo. The peddlers would carry the bells on a pole and use the sound of the bells to draw customers instead of shouting their wares.
Picture is taken from Volume 1 of the Ranma manga but can be seen through out the manga and in many other manga.
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