Exhibition/event has ended.
Regional Variations in the Daruma Throughout Japan
Musashino Art University Museum & Library
Finished
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A Daruma is a hollow, round, traditional Japanese doll that is regarded as a talisman of good luck. Most people who have visited Japan will have seen one, or an image of one, at some point and may know that when a user makes a wish, they paint in one of the figure’s two eyes, which are blank to start. Once the wish has materialized, the second eye is then filled in. The figure of the Daruma is based on Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. In more recent years, however, the Daruma has become popular in various forms including toys. At present the Daruma is often seen as a lucky charm and object of encouragement, but there was a time when it was believed that its red color took on an almost magical role.
Daruma are typically made of papier-mâché, but there are also occasions when the figure is turned in wood and expressed in other materials. Musashino Art University Museum & Library’s Folk Art Gallery and Library is home to around 600 Daruma and Daruma related items. Collected from all over Japan, these objects exhibit design characteristics that vary, such as shape and pattern, depending on where they were produced. This exhibition will give an overview of these unique Japanese dolls and their regional variations.
Daruma are typically made of papier-mâché, but there are also occasions when the figure is turned in wood and expressed in other materials. Musashino Art University Museum & Library’s Folk Art Gallery and Library is home to around 600 Daruma and Daruma related items. Collected from all over Japan, these objects exhibit design characteristics that vary, such as shape and pattern, depending on where they were produced. This exhibition will give an overview of these unique Japanese dolls and their regional variations.
Schedule | May 22 (Mon) 2017-Jul 1 (Sat) 2017 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Free | ||||
| Venue | Musashino Art University Museum & Library https://mauml.musabi.ac.jp/en/  | ||||
| Location | 1-736 Ogawacho, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo 187-8505 | ||||
| Access | 18 minute walk from Takanodai Station on the Seibu Kokubunji line; From the North exit of Kokubunji Station, take the Seibu bus for 20 minutes and get off at Musashino Bijutsu Daigaku Main Gate; From the North exit of Tachikawa Station on the JR Chuo line, take the Tachikawa bus for 25 minutes and get off at Musashino Bijutsu Daigaku. | ||||
| Phone | 042-342-6003 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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