Daruma

Daruma - Abysm Internal

One of my favorite cultural symbols out there, this is the story:

It originated in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan and originally drawn after the likeness of Boddhidharma, the contemporary Daruma doll is a goal setting and lucky charm.

When you first acquire a Daruma doll, both eyes are blank, once you make a wish or set on a goal you paint the left eye. Once the goal is reached or the wish granted, you’d paint the other eye. Therefore making a wish upon receiving this goodie and painting the other eye once it’s realized is strongly encouraged!

Following are the Kanji characters and their meaning.

Traditional ones:

  • Red: These are two of the most popular ones: “福” (fuku) which wishes for good luck and fortune, for every day life. And 必勝" (hisshō): "must-win" or certain victory; for study, business or sports 
  • Gold: The second most popular one, "金” (kin: gold) indicates, is specific to money related goals and wishes.

1000% NOT traditional, but my funny or creepy spin offs, for fun:

  • Goth ones: "暗黒" (ankoku) means darkness.
  • Demon/monster one: "悪鬼" (Akki) means Devil. 
  • Harajuku, Kawaii: The Kanji word "愉快" (yukai) means: pleasant; delightful; enjoyable; joyful; cheerful; amusing; happy​.
  • Steampunk: "蒸気" (Jōki) means steam. 

Can be found as "Daruma", plus your preferred keywords.

These are the colors I made so far, click to go to the art prints:

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Red (Fortune)

Red (Victory)

Gold

Steampunk

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Black

Gothic

Pastel Goth

White Goth

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Daruma by Abysm Internal

Funny Japanese Vaporwave Daruma by Abysm Internal

Monster / Demon

Kawaii

Aesthetic Pastel

 Vaporwave

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