Japanese Daruma Lucky Gods

Shaped like an egg but with a flatter bottom, the 'daruma' figure has its origins in the tale of a Chinese Zen master named Bodhidharma, who is said to have lost the use of his arms and legs after meditating in a cave for nine years. The Japanese daruma figure, therefore, is symbolic of self-discipline.

The Japanese proverb 'Nanakorobi Yaoki', which literally means "Fall down seven times, get up eight," is closely associated with the daruma, which is bottom weighted and can right itself when tipped over. Most daruma "dolls" have empty spaces where the eyes should be when they are first purchased or received. When setting a new goal or embarking on a new project, the owner or recipient of a daruma figure will paint in one of the eyes, and will leave the other space blank until the goal has been achieved or the project completed. Victorious political candidates in Japan can often be seen painting in the remaining eye as part of their acceptance speech.