Daruma 51 cm

This Japanese doll is made after the appearance of Bodhidharma (Japanese: Daruma), the founder of Zen. The Daruma doll is a happiness and wish doll for the Japanese. Because he lost both legs, Daruma is often depicted as a kind of tumbler and thus symbolizes the resilience to come back after a setback. Daruma stands for dedication and perseverance, for self-discipline and a positive outlook on life; whatever happens.

When purchasing a Daruma doll, both eyes are white. After you have made a wish, color one eye. Daruma helps make your wish come true. When that is successful, color the second eye. Daruma dolls are usually red with a beard and mustache, often the eyes are not yet colored. An eye is drawn when making a wish. If the wish has been fulfilled, the other eye is also drawn.

At the end of the year, the daruma dolls are returned to the temple for a traditional burning ceremony. This ceremony is called the Daruma Kuyo (だ る ま 供養).

The city of Takasaki is considered the birthplace of the daruma doll. Takasaki produces 80% of the Japanese daruma dolls. An annual darumapop festival is also held in Takasaki.

Daruma dolls are also often used in Japan in joint ventures, such as a collaboration between two companies or a project with multiple participants. Daruma dolls come in all shapes and sizes in these situations: from small to very large. The bigger the company or project, the bigger the Daruma. And the larger the Daruma, the greater the chance of the desired success.

Red - Luck

Green - Health and Longevity

Yellow - Safety and Protection

Gold - Wealth and Prosperity

Pink - Love, Romance, Heart

White - Love, Harmony & Peace

Black - Prevention, Avoidance, Bodyguard