Small Daruma Doll – Japanese Wishing Doll

This Small Daruma Doll is a traditional Japanese wishing doll, made and hand-painted in Takasaki, in Gunma Prefecture. Millions of people in Japan see it as a talisman of good luck and perseverance, which makes it a meaningful gift of encouragement.

• Traditional Japanese wishing doll by Daimonya Daruma
• Hand-made and hand-painted by master craftsmen
• Size: 4.5 cm, with a rounded shape
• 8 colours: Red, White, Black, Gold, Yellow, Turquoise, Purple and Pink
• Origin: Takasaki, Gunma, Japan

How to use it

Make a wish or set a goal. With it in mind, draw the left eye and keep the doll somewhere you will see it every day. When your goal is achieved, draw the other eye. Tradition says to start with the left eye, though there is no strict rule. Painting an eye symbolises opening the eyes of your mind.

Colours and their meanings

• Red: luck and good fortune.
• White: love and harmony.
• Black: success in business.
• Gold: wealth and prosperity.
• Yellow: security and protection.
•  Turquoise: work and school accomplishment.
• Purple: health and longevity.
• Pink: love.

The meaning behind the face

Daruma has wide-open eyes, tightly shut lips and a sturdy body. His eyebrows are drawn in the shape of a crane and his moustache in the shape of a turtle, animals believed to live 1,000 and 10,000 years. Learn more about Daimonya Daruma wishing dolls, or browse our Fortune Dolls collection and Home Decor collection.

Questions

Which eye do I paint first? Traditionally the left eye.
Which colour should I choose? Pick the colour that matches your wish, or red for general luck.

Please notice that there is a difference in the shape between the 4.5 cm that are more round and the 9cm and 12 cm that have a base. 

To learn more about Daimonya Daruma please click HERE