Hello, this is Kubo. Today I'm going to write about something that you've definitely seen at least once, but you probably don't know the origin or meaning of. I'm going to talk about "Dharma (Bodhidharma)." The reason is that I created an original daruma doll by Yoshiokubo.
■Reason for choosing Daruma
I've written many times about how, over the past few years, I've realized that I had absolutely no knowledge of Japan or Japanese culture, and have been researching and learning more about it, while incorporating it into my creations. 'yoshiokubo daruma', which I'll be looking at today, is an extension of that. (Related article:Who are you? Asked in the world of Western clothing .)
A long time ago, probably when I was in high school, I read a book about the Mingei movement. It said that Japanese design started here, and I was very interested in it. It was based on the very Japanese concept of "beauty in utility," and so-called folk crafts fall into this category.
Speaking of Daruma, like Kokeshi dolls, I only saw them in hot spring inns and souvenir shops, but I like them because the way they keep getting up even after falling down is so like me. This reminds me, my grandfather collected Kokeshi dolls, and I remember being really scared of all the dolls even as a child.
The meaning of Dharma
Gunma is known as the birthplace of daruma dolls. In the old-fashioned name of the place, it is Joshu, so it is also called "Joshu Daruma." I have many acquaintances in Gunma, so I was introduced to a daruma craftsman through word of mouth. His name is Shigeta, and he is the creator of "Shigeta Daruma." I asked him to make my daruma.
When I saw the finished Daruma doll, I was amazed at how accurately the design was reproduced. It was exactly the same as the design drawing I had submitted! It was incredibly faithful.
The Daruma I made this time also has a design that looks like a white border around the eyes. Do you know what it is? If you look closely, you'll think "Ah, I see," but the eyebrows are shaped like cranes and the mustache is a turtle. Cranes represent longevity, as they last for a thousand years, and turtles for ten thousand years, and cranes also represent a good relationship between husband and wife. Of course, they are drawn into my Daruma as well.
The colors of Daruma dolls also have different meanings. Red means safety in the home and good fortune, blue means improvement in academics and talent, yellow means financial luck, good fortune, and the realization of dreams. There are also other colors such as yellow-green, orange, gold and silver, black and white, dull blue, sky blue, and pink, each with its own meaning.
■ Yoshiokubo style in Daruma dolls
Among them, I searched for a color that hadn't been used before and came up with this moss green (there is also green, but it's a little different). I used a "bias" pattern, which I would call my design icon, on the body to give it a yoshiokubo feel. I prepared both glossy and matte finishes, and I plan to release one each year to make it into a series.
・Special Thanks: Shigeta Daruma
