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Origin of Daruma
Daruma has been modeled from the great Zen founder - Bodhidharma. One of the great legends of Bodhidharma tells of the Zen founder sitting in meditation toward a wall for nine years, which caused both his hands and feet to rot.
Although Bodhidharma was originally born in India, he traveled throughout China to spread the teachings of Zen. Soon, the teachings of Bodhidharma were introduced to Japan and spread throughout the country mainly by the Samurai. This led to the creation of figurines with no hands and feet in the Kamakura period.
What is the meaning of decorating Daruma?
Daruma were decorated as a lucky charm in the Edo period. The red of Daruma was believed to have an amulet effect, and it was also used for disease prevention. Gradually, it has become more of decoration that grants a wish.
What is the meaning behind painting the eyes of Daruma?
Daruma is sold in a state without eyes, and it is common that the person who bought it to paint the eyes. It is understood in Japan that you should paint one eye as a wish and paint the other eye as soon the wish comes true. Basically, you should make a wish and then paint Daruma's left eye (the right side if you face it) and finally paint the right eye once the wish comes true.
Daruma's eyes are said to represent AUN. The left eye is A which means the beginning of things, and the right eye is UN which means the end of things.
Once the wish comes true, just return the eye-painted Daruma back to the shop where it was bought to show gratitude. If you are not able to return it back to the shop where it was purchased, then bring it to a shrine. Sometimes it may be burned to get purified.
What is the meaning of Daruma's color?
When hearing Daruma, most people will call to mind its red and serious expression. In the Edo period, most Daruma were only red or white. However, after the Showa period, the Daruma was created with many colors and each having its own meaning.
Red has been the color of Daruma, and it has been that way since ancient times, and it was believed to have an amulet effect. Therefore, it has the oldest history as a lucky charm to prevent sickness and disaster.
The color is still popular since it offers safety and luck to the entire family. Below are the other colors of Daruma with its associated meaning:
| Black : | Business prosperity |
| Gold : | Improvement of luck in money and work |
| Silver : | Safe birth |
| Yellow : | Dreams come true |
| Pink : | Love fulfillment |
| Blue : | Academic Achievement |
| White : | Pass the exam |
Rich in color and modern! Kakinuma Doll’s Edo Daruma
EDO DARUMA (LARGE) NISHIJIN PINK
Kakinuma Doll’s Edo Daruma is recommended for those who want to make a wish with Daruma, but also like to decorate a more stylish one in the room. Kakinuma Dolls is a workshop that mainly produces festival dolls with the skills of the traditional craft "Edo Kimekomi doll” and manufactures modern and fashionable Daruma that can be found nowhere else with the traditional techniques of Edo Kimekomi.
Kakinuma Doll’s Edo Daruma is made by kimono and other fabrics into thin grooves carved into molds, so the soft atmosphere of the fabric is attractive. In addition, there are a wide variety of colors, not only the standard red, but also yellow, black, and white, as well as gorgeous ones using Nishijin textiles and Yuzen fabrics. You can choose the one according to your taste, interior atmosphere, and wishes.
Since each is carefully finished by craftsmen one by one with traditional techniques, it is worth decorating, and is perfect not only for your own use but also as a gift. Please choose the "Daruma" design that interests you!
