IMAI DARUMA -NAYA-

Located in Maebashi, Gunma, JAPAN

What is Daruma?

A Daruma is a doll with the face of Master Daruma Daishi painted on it and presenting a round red shape. In Japan, it has been popular for over 200 years as a good luck charm that grants all wishes.

Daruma Daishi, the model:

Daruma Daishi (or Bodhidharma) was born as a prince in India in the late 5th century. He lived in China and became the founder of Zen Buddhism.

Legend has it that Bodhidharma meditated for 9 years in a cave without moving an eyelash, and that he lived to be 150 years old. It became known in the Muromachi period (1336-1573) with the spread of Zen and became the motif of "kakigarikoboshi" in the Edo period.

The round shape of the Daruma doll represents Daruma Daishi, who is seated in zazen with a loose garment on his head and only his face is visible.