This little book is written in Japanese only, but contains a treasure trove of colorful photos of the many iterations of the beloved folk icon known as Daruma.

The Daruma doll has its origin in the Edo period (1603-1867), when it first appeared as a children’s toy. This traditional doll was modeled after the great teacher and patriarch of Zen Buddhism, Bodhidharma (known as Daruma Daishi in Japan), who lived 1,500 years ago in southern India. Eventually the Daruma doll became a symbol used for talismans and good luck charms.

Paper: 144 pp.