⎯⎯ Since 1783 · 14th Generation

Fall seven,
rise eight.

Born in 1783 during the great Tenmei famine — when Lord Matsudaira Sadanobu asked the painter Tani Bunchō to design a charm that would keep people standing. For nearly 300 years, every Shirakawa daruma has been painted by hand with five auspicious creatures: crane, turtle, pine, plum, and bamboo.

Shop the collection Meet the craft ↓
Shirakawa Daruma Sohonpo · the moment the red brush goes in
Hand-painted by the 14th generation
Fig. 01 — Painting the first eye, Shirakawa studio
— Nakata Kōji, IV
"You aren't painting a face. You are painting the moment
someone decides what they want from the year."
p. 04 — the craft
02 — The Journal

Letters from Shirakawa.

Read all →
Apr 26
Buddhism, Zen, and the Daruma: The Spiritual Origin of Japan's Most Iconic Doll
Apr 26
Japanese New Year Traditions: How Daruma Fits Into Hatsumode and Dondoyaki
Apr 26
Daruma Tattoo Meanings: Symbolism Explained by a 14th-Generation Daruma Maker
Apr 26
What to Do With Your Daruma When the Wish Comes True (The Daruma Burning Ceremony Explained)
03 — Eight stages, one doll

From river clay to red lacquer.

Inside the studio →