Japanese Edo Period c1800's Daruma Kanban Shop Sign Red & Gold 24" LS#183

Daruma Kanban
Japan, Late Edo–Meiji Period
Hand-painted wood

This traditional shop sign (kanban) features Daruma, the legendary Zen monk and symbol of perseverance. Merchants often used his image to attract customers by evoking qualities like discipline, resilience, and good fortune. Daruma’s intense expression and enduring presence made him a popular figure for kanban, reminding viewers of the Japanese proverb “Nanakorobi yaoki” — “Seven times down, eight times up.” His image linked commerce, spirituality, and folk tradition in everyday life.

Width = 22" Height = 24"  Depth = 2"

Daruma: Symbol of Perseverance and Enlightenment in Japanese Art

Daruma, known in Japan as the legendary founder of Zen Buddhism, is one of the most iconic figures in Japanese art and culture. Based on the Indian monk Bodhidharma, who brought Chan (Zen) Buddhism to China in the 6th century, Daruma became a powerful symbol of determination, discipline, and spiritual awakening in Japan.

According to legend, Daruma meditated for nine years facing a wall without speaking or moving. His unwavering commitment to self-discipline and enlightenment is reflected in his intense, wide-eyed expression, often seen in Japanese paintings, sculpture, and folk art. Over time, artists portrayed him with bold brushwork and exaggerated features to express his fierce energy and focus.

Daruma also became a beloved folk figure in Japanese homes and shops. The red, round Daruma doll—based on his limbless form—is used to set goals and encourage perseverance. One eye is painted when a goal is made, the other when it’s fulfilled. Weighted at the base, the doll pops back up when knocked over, symbolizing the spirit of resilience captured in the Japanese saying: "Nanakorobi yaoki" – "Seven times down, eight times up."

Whether found in Zen temples or as a lucky charm in daily life, Daruma represents a deep cultural value: the power of persistence in the face of hardship. His image continues to inspire artists, spiritual seekers, and everyday people alike.