KAWAII JAPANESE PUZZLE ERASERS

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

38247 DARUMA ERASERS

Iwako made in Japan

The Daruma doll (達磨, daruma), also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism.  These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been commercialized by many Buddhist temples to use alongside goal setting. 

The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold. Monte A. Greer, author of Daruma Eyes, described the "oversized symmetrical round blank white eyes" as a means to keep track of goals or big tasks and motivate them to work to the finish. The recipient of the doll fills in one eye upon setting the goal, then the other upon fulfilling it. In this way, every time they see the one-eyed Daruma, they recall the goal. One explanation how this custom started says that in order to motivate Daruma-san to grant your wish, you promise to give him full sight once the goal is accomplished. This practice might also have something to do with the "enlightenment", the ideal attainment of Buddhism. This custom has led to a phrase in Japanese translated as "Both Eyes Open". Referring to "opening" the second eye, it expresses the realization of a goal. Traditionally, the Daruma was purchased as a household, and that only the head of the household would paint in the eye.

One example of this are politicians during election time. Political parties have often been shown at their headquarters with large Daruma dolls and amulets purchased from local temples as a prayer for victory. This practice was highlighted in a 1967 article in TIME magazine: "Last week, in the Tokyo headquarters of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic PartyPremier Eisaku Sato dipped a sumi brush into an ink stone and with swift strokes daubed in the dark right eye of his Daruma. 'The eyes,' he remarked when he had finished, 'are as big as my own.