• en
Beautiful Kokeshi Dolls: A Uniquely Japanese Folk Art

ylkawashima
Licensing

Daruma

These wonderful little men are also made by kokeshi makers and some are made as toys. The daruma legend came from India and it is about a man who sat on a wall and worried about the problems of the world. He lost his legs from non use and his arms are folded around himself under his gown. They are such wonderful creatures!! The ones with the spinning tops are used as dice, and this is indicated by the numbers and directions (e.g. North/south/east/west) painted on the top. When the spinning top stops and tilts, it is read like a dice.

Based on this original

Daruma
uploaded by ylkawashima
Photo of daruma dolls from the collection of Itske and Anthony Stern. This photo was presented during a public program, Kokeshi: Not Just a Toy!, at the Japanese American National … More »


Login or register
to contribute to the Nikkei Album

Welcome to the NEW Nikkei Album!

We've launched Nikkei Album in beta, so everyone can now start uploading and creating their own albums. There may be things that don't work quite right yet. Please email us to report any errors.

Browse the Nikkei Album

最新情報を入手

最新情報メールの配信登録

Journal feed
Events feed
Comments feed

プロジェクトをサポート

ディスカバー・ニッケイ

ディスカバー・ニッケイは、互いにネットワークを広げ、日系の体験談を分かち合う場です。プロジェクトを継続し、より良いものにしていくためには、皆さまのご協力が不可欠です。ご支援お願いします!

サポートの方法>>

プロジェクト企画 全米日系人博物館


日本財団