3.5 Inch Daruma Tumbler - Japan Zen Buddhist Bodhidarma

Description

"Fall down seven times, get up eight." This popular Japanese proverb is closely associated with Daruma, the historical Buddhist monk Bodhidharma, who lived during the fifth or sixth century AD. Daruma is credited with founding the Zen sect of Buddhism, which he is believed to have introduced to China. Legends say that Daruma achieved enlightenment after meditating for seven years without blinking or moving his eyes, either in a cave or a temple, staring at a wall. One tale even claims that in his frustration with fatigue, he tore off his eyelids, which then sprouted into China's first green tea plants. His long meditation reportedly caused his arms and legs to wither, leaving him as an armless, legless, and eyelidless (yet enlightened) figure. The Japanese admire Daruma for his spirit and determination. Each New Year, many buy a paper-mâché Daruma tumbler doll to help them persevere toward their goals. The dolls come with unpainted eyes, allowing the owner to paint in one eye at the start of a new goal. The doll is then placed in a prominent spot at home or work to serve as a reminder to stay focused. Japanese students often use Daruma dolls to motivate their studies, placing a one-eyed Daruma on their desks as a symbol of their commitment. Once the goal is achieved, the second eye is painted in, marking the completion of the journey. Daruma dolls that have fulfilled their purpose are typically brought to a temple to be ceremonially burned.

About the Listed Item

This small, hand-crafted Daruma figure, made in Shizuoka, Japan, is a rare piece of authentic Japanese culture. Created by a small family business specializing in traditional Daruma dolls, each figure is meticulously formed from papier-mâché on a hand-carved wooden mold, then dried in the sun. After being cut from the mold and sealed with another layer of papier-mâché, the doll is hand-painted in vibrant red, with dark black beard and eyebrows, and golden accents. The unpainted eyes are left for the owner to fill in as they work toward a personal goal. Cleverly weighted, the Daruma rights itself when tipped. In an age of mass production, this Daruma offers a genuine connection to the past, crafted near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Please see the size chart below and explore other sizes through the links provided.

Approximate Size:
Height: 3.5 inches (9.0 centimeters)
Weight: 2.0 ounces (58 grams)

Note: Each of these hand-crafted dolls is unique and therefore the authentic Daruma figure you receive will differ slightly from the doll photographed for this listing.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please contact us anytime if you have questions or concerns about purchases made on this site.

• By Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
• By Phone: +1 949-466-0864
• Ship From Address:
  Art Hills Yada 501
  4-1 Yada, Suruga Ward
  Shizuoka City, Shizuoka
  Japan 422-8002

RETURN POLICY

• Eligibility: To be eligible for a return, the item must be unused, in its original condition, and returned within 60 days from the date of purchase.
• Return Process: To initiate a return, please contact us via the email or phone number above and within the specified return period. You will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.
• Return Shipping: Customers are responsible for the shipping costs associated with returning the item, unless the return is due to a product defect or error on our part.