This is a traditional Shirakawa Daruma (白河だるま), a regional variation of Japan’s iconic Daruma doll, handmade in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. Characterized by its plump round form, expressive eyebrows that resemble cranes, and mustache shaped like a turtle’s shell, the design symbolizes longevity and good fortune.
The bold red body is hand-painted with golden accents and features the customary blank white eyes, intended for the owner to fill in when setting and achieving a goal. Shirakawa Daruma are especially prized for their craftsmanship and the dynamic brushwork that gives each face its own personality.
These dolls have been cherished in Japan for centuries as talismans of perseverance and success. The Shirakawa style, dating back to the Edo period, is known for being sturdy, slightly larger than typical Daruma, and imbued with the spirit of local folk artistry.
Whether used as a personal good-luck charm or a striking decorative piece, this Shirakawa Daruma brings with it a deep cultural meaning and hopeful energy.
