A Daruma doll (Japanese: 達磨, Hepburn: daruma) is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting the Indian monk, Bodhidharma, vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered a toy by some, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been commercialized by many Buddhist temples to use alongside the setting of goals.
(Taken from Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daruma_doll)
There are a couple of different versions of the legend that explains the physical characteristics of the Daruma Doll. The Bodhidharma, who is credited with the start of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Temple Martial Arts, was once to have sat for nine years in meditation, during which time his arms, legs, and eyelids withered and fell off. Other stories say that he removed his own eyelids to facilitate the practice of sitting in open-eyed meditation.
When the dolls were first created in this way, they took the round body (with no limbs) and big eyes as central characteristics. The red color was for the red robe of the Bodhidharma, and the beard held specific significance by invoking the connections of cranes and turtles to grant 10,000 years of fortune and longevity.
Dolls were originally created to grant wishes and generally bring good fortune. They came with both eyes blank, and one would paint in the left eye while committing to a goal or making a wish. When the goal was achieved or the wish came true, the second eye was painted in and the doll was returned.
The Daruma Doll is still widely regarded all over Japan and can be found in many homes and businesses, though there are some differences for many people who engage with them today:
My approach to the DarumaKAI-NFT project is a generative process that has created 6,000 unique Daruma Doll characters that are full of style, variety, and symbolism. They are obviously not traditional, though you will see the focus on big eyes, with one or two eyes filled in (or the rare double-blank eyes.) You will also see the crane and turtle represented in the male character hair and beard features.
From there, it is all about my style. There is a huge variety of colors, eye styles, and accessories, which combined with each other and the expressive features, should offer many dolls for an individual to potentially connect with. I also treated the NFT artwork with textural and lighting elements that keep the dolls modern, but they also give a bit of an old world feel... different from many NFT projects today.
While the project began as an NFT endeavor, I really want it to progress into something more of a universal culture and (for lack of a better term) brand. I have adapted a variety of some "stand out characters" to use in creating merchandise. I really enjoy the "Life Is Good" brand and what it stands for. I want DarumaKAI-NFT to be recognizable and meaningful as an inspiration to do the things that people dream about doing.
When people see the original DarumaKAI-NFT artwork on display, I want people to know that the owner bought it as a testament to something important to them. It should be understood that there is a deeply unique and personal story attached, and that conversation will happen around that.
When you spot a DarumaKAI-NFT shirt, bag, hat, etc on the street, I want people to approach each other with encouragement and connection - "DKAI! What are you working on?", "What does your shirt represent?", "Hey, Good Luck!"
Connect your wallet and make a wish!
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