A vintage Daruma doll from Oki Ichinomiya Mizuwakasu Jinja 隠岐一宮 水若酢神社, a Shinto shrine located on Dōgo Island in the Oki Islands of Japan. The Daruma contains a hidden fortune slip, accessible through a hole in the base.
The slip repersent a small fortune of 小吉 (shōkichi), which means "small blessing" – a mild but positive fortune. A traditional Japanese talisman of perseverance and good luck, often used to set and achieve personal goals.
This Daruma is painted in bright red, which is a traditional color symbolizing good fortune and protection. The face is painted with fierce, determined eyes and eyebrows, representing focus and strength. The character 「福」 (fuku, meaning "good fortune" or "blessing") is written in gold on its front.
It advises patience and honesty, and suggests that diligent efforts will lead to gradual happiness and success, like "clouds clearing to reveal the moon." It encourages steady progress rather than rushing, emphasizing long-term benefits. Daruma dolls like this are often used as goal-setting tools. This particular Daruma, being a shrine souvenir with an included fortune, also serves as a spiritual charm.
