Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Peking Opera dolls

These cute Peking opera dolls I got from my travel to Beijing last year. They are made of of hard plastic.

Daruma doll

One of my latest acquisitions is this Japanese Daruma doll. Daruma dolls, according to wikipedia,

is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, 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 goal setting.