rare meiji era lucky daruma clay doll - japanese folk craft

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Bring the rich legacy of Japanese craftsmanship into your living space with this stunning, large Meiji Era Daruma doll. A true antique treasure, this heirloom is no longer in production, offering a unique connection to the past with its beautifully toned, rustic patina that only time can create. Perfect for adding charm and character to any modern decor, this piece is a conversation starter that captures the spirit of resilience and good fortune.

This legless, okiagari daruma, or “tumbling” daruma, is the essence of the famous Japanese proverb “Nana korobi ya oki”—falling seven times, rising eight. Rooted in the legend of Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, the Daruma figure represents the perseverance and strength of Bodhidharma who is said to have lost his legs after nine years of intense meditation in a cave.

Hand crafted Hirashimizu ware from Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region, this rare Daruma features the intense, determined expression that is characteristic of these beloved figures. With furrowed brows and a dark stylized mustache, he exudes an air of stoic resolve. The figure dons a traditional red hooded robe, historically believed to protect against smallpox, with gold fold lines adding depth. The piece is elevated on a black base, making it the perfect focal point in any room.

Unlike typical Daruma dolls adorned with the kanji for good luck (fuku), this special piece features a Takarabune—a treasure ship that carries the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Legend says this mystical ship brings prosperity and fortune to all who encounter it, further enhancing the positive energy this doll brings to your home.

In very good antique condition, this Daruma doll shows no cracks or chips, and its patina only adds to its warmth and authenticity. A beautiful example of Japanese mingei folk craft, this piece is not just a decorative item—it’s a piece of history, a symbol of good fortune, and a constant reminder of the strength that lies within.

- measures 27.5 cm (10.8”) tall x 17 cm (6.7”) deep x 17 cm (6.7”) across.
- weighs 1,750 gm.

(listing for daruma figure only)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy. 
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

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HIRASHIMIZU WARE
Known as the ‘Pottery Village,’ the area of Hirashimizu has Yamagata's oldest history. It is located in the southern foothills of Mt.Chitose in the southeast area of Yamagata City. It is said that during the Bunka era (1804-1817) Ono Tojihei, who came from Ibaraki Prefecture, founded Hirashimizu-yaki. However, it is also thought that pottery had been produced in that area long before he arrived.

During the Bunsei era (1818-1829) Abe Kakuzaemon of the Soma clan visited Hirashimizu,  built a kiln, and spread the techniques of Soma-yaki pottery, which contributed to Hirashimizu becoming a large pottery producing area. During the middle of the Meiji period (1868–1912) when the area was enjoying its most prosperous time, over 30 kilns were in operation. But as time has gone by, the number of kilns has diminished and now only 3 kilns are in operation.

Hirashimizu pottery differs according to the kiln it has been fired in and the kind of glaze and techniques used. The basic clay taken from Mt. Chitose contains iron and is hard by nature. It can be used in making both porcelain and ceramic wares.

Many wares used for daily necessities used to be made, however, recently each kiln is looking to create new types of products. 

ABOUT DARUMA 
The Daruma of present day Japan actually finds it’s origins in an Indian  Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma was the founding patriarch of the Chan/Zen school and he eventually became revered as an equal to the Buddha himself.

He went to China, to convert the Chinese, at the beginning of the sixth century and  settled in Song Shan. Here it is said he practiced meditation for nine years facing a wall. Bodhidharma’s lofty teaching won him a few disciples, but also some powerful enemies, and he was eventually poisoned by two rivals. Soon after his death a Chinese emissary claimed to have met him. When Bodhidharma’s tomb was opened, it was found empty. He  was deemed  a Daoist Immortal.

According to a later Japanese tradition, Bodhidharma never returned to India but traveled on to Japan, where he was associated with the Tendai school and Shotoku Taishi (517-77). From the Tenadai  school and the  ‘one mind precepts’ of Bodhidharma (Daruma isshinkai)  the first Zen school emerged, called the ‘Daruma school.’ There is a Daruma Temple at the foot of Mt. Kataoka; a monastery associated with Shotoku Taishi.

By the mid Edo era, the Indian patriarch of Chan/Zen had come a long way. He was an extremely popular deity and was now seen as a protector of children and bringer of good luck.

He was represented as a legless, tumbling talisman doll, that  ‘falls seven times and rises eight times,’(nana korobi ya oki). This okiagari (falling and rising) form of Daruma comes from the belief that Bodhidharma, after sitting in meditation for nine years in a cave came to lose his legs.

This tumbling  Daruma  also lent itself to sexual symbolism, and until the Meiji period, phallic forms of Daruma in stone or paper mache were sold. Stone deity statues were often placed  in the country at crossroads and they were associated with sexuality and fertility. These deity stones were called dosojin.

The name ‘Daruma’ was also a nickname for prostitutes in the Edo Era. Like the doll, these specialists of tumble could raise the energy of their customers! In ukiyoe Daruma was often presented in comical fashion in the company of a prostitute, sometimes even as a transvestite or as a woman. He was also a  part of a couple called, ‘Mr. and Mrs. Daruma.’ The chubby Okame, (smiling woman who brings good luck to all) was often seen as his partner.

Daruma were initially good-luck objects (engimono) placed on the home altar (kamidana)  to bring good harvests and prosperity to their owners.The okiagari Daruma soon became a popular symbol of perseverance, new beginnings and the attaining of one’s goal.

Daruma was also believed to help overcome illness rapidly. During  the smallpox epidemic in the Edo period, Daruma had become a protector against smallpox. He was perceived as a god of smallpox (hosogami) but his role was to control the smallpox demons so they would not harm children.  (Hosogami were seen as the cause of epidemic diseases and eventually turned into protectors against these same diseases).

The Daruma doll was offered with other auspicious toys, like dogs to sick children. The color, symbolizing measles was important. The altar to the smallpox god was decorated with red paper strips, a daruma doll, and an owl and the sick child had to wear a red hood, just like Bodhidharma in his red robes with a red hood.

So Daruma has been represented in a variety of forms with much symbolism; the Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, likened to the Buddha himself and responsible for starting Zen Buddhism, a crossroad deity associated with sexuality and fertility, a god of epidemics who ultimately protected children against disease, a god of good fortune, bringing good harvests and prosperity, and a god of perseverance, giving one the determination to achieve goals.