Takasaki Daruma Doll - Gold

Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture is one of the main centres of daruma doll production in Japan, with a history dating from the 17th century. Daruma are papier-mâché dolls associated with the Buddhist figure Bodhidharma and are most commonly painted red, though can also be found in blue, white, green, or other shades. Daruma dolls are purchased with their white eyes unpainted. To make use of the doll the owner must paint one eye black and make a wish or envision an objective. Once the wish or goal has finally come to fruition, the second eye can be painted black. Takasaki daruma feature two auspicious animals, a crane and a turtle, often considered symbols of longevity owing to the Japanese proverb ‘tsuru sen-nen, kami man-nen‘, meaning ‘the crane lives 1,000 years, the turtle 10,000’. These meaningful dolls make an eye-catching decorative mark in any home or serve as ideal gifts for those aiming towards a goal or with a particular hope for the future.

Keep dry.

Individual pieces may vary in colour and size as each piece is handmade.

Size: S – 12cm, M – 17cm

Kansai

The Kansai region includes the second-most populated metropolitan area in Japan with its largest city Osaka. Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan’s former capital cities, are home to important temples and shrines and strongholds of intangible cultural heritage, such as the Kyoto textile weaving skills of Nishijin.