Japanese Daruma Print

Daruma’s are round, hollow Japanese wish dolls in the shape of an egg. They are a symbolic representation of Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk and founder of the art of Zen. According to legend, Bodhidharma lost his limbs while attaining this pure Zen state, therefore the doll is lacking limbs as well. The dolls are most commonly red but can also be found in yellow, black and white amongst other colors. Their painted faces feature a mustache and beard, skillfully brushed to resemble Bodhidharma. Using black ink or paint, one fills in a single circular eye while thinking of a wish, and should the wish become realized, the second eye can be happily filled in. Because of their low center of gravity, the Daruma doll returns to its upright position after being tilted on its side. As such, the doll has become a symbol for optimism, persistence and strong determination.

18” x 24” silk screened one color black metallic ink on French, Muscletone, 140lb, black paper stock. Printed by Screwball Press, Chicago, IL.

case-real: white dormitory for il vento

‘white dormitory for il vento’ by case-real in teshima kagawa, japan

fukuoka-based architecture practice case-real (koichi futatsumata) has sent us images of  ‘white dormitory for il vento’, a renovation project on an old vacant house on teshima island, japan.  conceived as a dormitory for the restaurant staff of il vento - a creation by german artist tobias rehberger  for the 2010 setouchi international art festival - the design maintains the original identity of the traditional structure while creating a modern interior space that revolves around a central courtyard. 


site area: 127.9 m2
building area: 94.2 m2
structure: wood frame

design: koichi futatsumata / case-real
direction: tsuyoshi matsuzawa

loving it… it just makes people peace, safe and the true feeling of home