A vintage Fukuruma nesting doll set, a charming and lesser-known style of Japanese folk craft. The dolls are made of hand-carved and hand-painted wood, designed to nest inside one another, similar to Russian Matryoshka dolls, but uniquely Japanese in style and symbolism.
The largest figure shows a jovial, smiling elder with pink cheeks and a red base, evoking warmth and humor. The middle figure features a stern, bearded man in a teal robe—commonly representing a more serious or wise character. The smallest is a simplified Daruma-like figure with a red body and a determined expression.
The Fukuruma (福留間) doll is a hybrid of Daruma and Kokeshi influences, often used to represent good fortune, wisdom, and perseverance. These dolls typically reflect a blend of humorous expression and spiritual symbolism, emphasizing well-being and longevity. Each nested layer represents different emotional or spiritual states, suggesting a journey inward toward simplicity and truth.
