JAPANMUSEUM Japanese Gold Daruma Doll Handmade Traditional Crafts Zen Statue Good Luck & Well Wishes (3.5inch Tall Gold S)

I wanted the real thing, and this is it. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s worth it to know you’re supporting genuine craftsmen who put care into their work.

I think that this was not only a neat Zen item but also one that can bring luck!I was confused by the instructions in the listing "open the eyes, first face the DOLL, calm your mind, and write your wish in ink starting from the right eye (the Doll's left eye)."Write my wish in ink starting from the right eye? Like ink a sentence across the face??So I looked it up and found that you make your wish then paint a black pupil to the right eye, then when your wish comes true, paint the other eye.First of all, think about the purpose, such as family happiness or a prosperous business.Then draw one of Daruma's blank eyes in black with your wishes.This work does not have to be rigorous one like having a strong feeling of wishing results.Instead, it's a common practice to be excited and casual.It's just like winding a missanga or buying a lottery ticket

I was pleasantly surprised by this Daruma. I just was not sure what I was going to get buying something like this online, but it is just like the ones I have seen in Japan. The quality and finish are very attractive, and the lineage and origin are clearly indicated in the original Japanese. I have not painted an eye yet, because you only get to do it once, and I am waiting for a special occasion when I really need some help. For now it sits with white eyes, waiting to come to my aid next time I have some great challenge.

Very expensive for the size you’re getting. Was expecting exact measurements.

The doll looks nice and consistent with other Daruma doll designs. It's made with paper mache and hand-painted. The workmanship is up to par. However, daruma dolls usually have round bottoms so when they are tipped over, they straighten themselves up. That's because they are supposed to be weighted. Since this one has a "foot" and is not weighted, so it doesn't do that. It makes me seriously doubt that it's made in Japan as the product page says. The paper that accompanied the doll looks like it's been xeroxed. It's something I haven't seen in Japanese-made products. I could be wrong. The seller though, shipped it very fast. That's a plus.

Nicely decorative painted item. Set it on your shelf and view. Brightly colored and festive! A very lovely daruma doll! Would make a unique gift!

I honestly have only ever seen these dolls in my Animal Crossing games, so I had to check out one in real life. This is really impressive! The quality is outstanding and it looks great on display in my office. I love having this unique touches in my home and this is a great addition.

Instructions are included if you need them, but they are in Japanese. You can easily look up all instructions online. This is an authentic daruma doll. Daruma are amusing little creatures and part of Japanese culture and history (I know it’s the depiction of a monk). It is a peculiar tradition. Whether you give any credence to luck or bringers thereof it is fun to have a daruma as part of Japanese art and culture. These are well constructed, well painted, and beautiful objects which could be given to encourage someone on that difficult or important task. It appears to be from the hands of a Japanese artisan – handmade and genuine. But the daruma I received is missing the two red curves for the edges of the wings of its nose (see photo). I would not bring it up except all the product photos from Japan/Museum have them.