daruma

[ duh-roo-muh; Japanese dah-roo-mah ]

/ dəˈru mə; Japanese dɑˈru mɑ /

a large red papier-mâché Japanese doll in the form of a seated potbellied Buddhist monk: considered a bringer of luck and prosperity.

Origin of daruma

1960–65; < Japanese < Chinese, transliteration of Sanskrit dharma dharma

It is easy to make this, for it is believed that Daruma lost his legs from sitting too long in one position.

Our Little Japanese Cousin |Mary Hazelton Wade
Then suddenly the vision departed, and Daruma awoke to find himself sitting under the Chinese sky.

Myths & Legends of Japan |F. Hadland (Frederick Hadland) Davis
The priests of this order drank tea from a single bowl before the image of Bodhi Dharma (Daruma).

Myths & Legends of Japan |F. Hadland (Frederick Hadland) Davis
The images of Daruma are found by the hundreds in toy-shops, as tobacconists' signs, and as the snow-men of the boys.

Child-Life in Japan and Japanese Child Stories |Mrs. M. Chaplin Ayrton

Daruma, as the Japanese spell his name, has a temple in central Japan.

The Religions of Japan |William Elliot Griffis