A hand-carved wooden figurine depicting a pair of Daruma dolls, created in the distinctive Aizu-bori (会津彫) style from Aizu, located in Fukushima Prefecture. The piece is a wonderful example of traditional Japanese mingei (folk art), celebrating the warmth of handmade craftsmanship and the symbolic power of perseverance and harmony.
The two Daruma are carved from a single block of wood and painted in soft yet expressive colors. One wears a deep plum-red robe with a white accent, while the other is adorned in a turquoise-blue garment with a floral motif. Their small, tender faces are full of expression, suggesting wisdom, age, and a sense of quiet support between the two figures. Huddled closely together, they appear as though weathering life’s seasons side by side evoking a sense of companionship and shared endurance.
This piece is mounted on a wooden base, and underneath it is inscribed 「会津彫」(Aizu-bori), indicating its origin in the Aizu region. There's also a handwritten note: 「仙台 24.9.20」Sendai, September 20th in the 24th year of the Heisei era (2012).
In Japanese culture, Daruma dolls are a symbol of resilience and good fortune. A Daruma couple, like this one, often represents a wish for long-lasting harmony, mutual support, and enduring love. Their unified form also implies the balance of yin and yang, or the spiritual closeness of a husband and wife.
Size: 5.5 x 3 x 4cm
