Handmade Japanese linocut of daruma

This linocut depicts the tangle of daruma, emblematic figures and good luck charms of the Japanese.

Daruma are wooden figurines representing a Buddhist monk with closed eyes. They are considered good luck charms and are often purchased by people wishing to make a wish come true. For the wish to be granted, it is necessary to paint an eye on the daruma. Once the vow has been fulfilled, the other eye must be painted and the daruma returned or burned at the temple where it was purchased.

In temples such as Shorinzan Daruma-ji or Katsuo-ji, you’ll see countless daruma dotted around.

Personally, I love and collect these daruma in all their forms. That’s also why I wanted to dedicate this linocut to them and show the daruma from an unusual angle.