Hariko Introduction

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Papermachee Dolls　張子 hariko




Hariko Papermache Dolls are probably the most common of all the Daruma dolls.
Here is a quote from an article about the development of Daruma dolls in Japan:


From the Tumbler Doll (okiagari koboshi) to the
Tumbler Daruma (okiagari Daruma 起き上がりだるま)

After the Period of the Warring States Japan reached a time of 300 years of peace under the Tokugawa regime. The Tumbler Dolls of papermachee　first made in Kyoto, soon
reached the new capital of Edo. The inventive townspeople of Edo painted a big black beard on the face of the old man and a visiting priest came to say: "Well, if this is not the face of Daruma Daishi himself!" The red robe was the traditional garb of a priest.

Getting up after falling down was taken as a wish getting better for an ill person. It was also said that the stark red colour would ward off smallpox, so the red tumbler doll of Daruma would be the best present for a sick child. This one blessing was soon followed by others and developed into "Falling down seven times, getting up eight times"
(nanakorobi yaoki 七転びやおき), turning into a blessing for many generations of the family line, good business and others.

Thus Daruma got a firm place in the heart of the Japanese people and seemd to work for the good of people with six heads and six arms. The faith in him grew steadily and soon the dolls were sold at the New Years fairs at many local temples and the tradition to paint one eye for a wish started. You had to buy a new one every year, so the tradition expanded and we have to thank the founder of the Zen Sect for all of this.


Who is Daruma ? What is Daruma?


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