Takasaki Daruma Doll - Red

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, L – 30cm

Chūbu

The central Chūbu region is predominantly mountainous, home to the rugged Japan Alps with coasts on both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. The region's history has been shaped by its strategic position between the great cities of Kyoto and Tokyo with Nagoya at its heart. Niigata lies to the north while Mt Fuji can be found in the south in Shizuoka Prefecture.