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Matsukawa Daruma is a traditional craft of Sendai, made as a lucky charm that represents Sendai Hariko . Some people may wonder why it has a distinctive blue appearance compared to the usual Daruma.
Not many people know why Matsukawa Daruma dolls are blue. So, this time we will explain the origins of the famous Matsukawa Daruma dolls in Sendai
Characteristics of Matsukawa Daruma
Matsukawa Daruma has long been a popular place for the common people to gather. Its distinctive features are its blue appearance and the fact that both eyes are already painted on it.
Matsukawa Daruma, a lucky charm from Sendai
It is said that the wide-open eyes on both eyes represent a god watching over all directions, and are a consideration of Date Masamune's one-eyed nature
is adorned with luxurious decorations that bestow good fortune, including Daikoku, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is said to have been a favorite of Date warlords , a treasure ship , plum blossoms and gold powder
There are eight different sizes, from small to large. There is also a custom of welcoming a larger one every year, and having eight Matsukawa Daruma dolls together symbolizes getting up after falling down seven times
A Matsukawa Daruma doll, approximately one meter tall, has been dedicated to Osaki Hachiman Shrine in Sendai
The origin of the Matsukawa Daruma's blue color
The red daruma dolls that you see elsewhere are said to have originated in the past, when people made prayers during epidemics. It was believed that the color red could ward off evil spirits, so red-painted daruma dolls were used as talismans to ward off evil
So why is the Matsukawa Daruma blue?
Matsukawa Daruma dolls were first made by Matsukawa Toyonoshin, a samurai of the Date clan, during a great famine, and it is said that people entrusted their wishes to the Daruma dolls and overcame the harsh famine
The blue color is ultramarine, a noble color favored by samurai . It is said that the ultramarine represents the sky and sea, and reflects the natural scenery of Sendai
In terms of legend, they are similar to the red daruma, but the red daruma is said to , the blue Matsukawa daruma is said to bring good health and freedom from illness
Where to buy Matsukawa Daruma
Matsukawa Daruma dolls are only made in one place, so they are only sold in a limited number of places, but they can also be purchased from online shops
Matsukawa Daruma dolls are sold at stalls in Miyagi Prefecture during New Year's visits to shrines and the Donto Festival
The Donto Festival is an event held every year on January 14th where pine decorations are burned. The Matsukawa Daruma dolls that have completed their role are also burned, and new Matsukawa Daruma dolls are welcomed, in hopes of good health and safety for the year to come
Osaki Hachiman Shrine
Matsukawa Daruma dolls are sold at street stalls during New Year's visits to shrines and the Donto Festival, but at Osaki Hachimangu Shrine they are sold all year round, with the intention of ensuring that the craft remains alive
The following is what is said about Hongo Daruma-ya
"Sendai Hariko, which has long been a beloved religious art form among the common people of Sendai, is said to have been created by Matsukawa Toyonoshin, a samurai of the Date clan, during the Tenpo era. The first generation, Hongo Kyuzaburo, who became Matsukawa's apprentice, inherited all of the unique techniques and structural formations, and is currently being carried on by the 10th generation, Hisakata and Naoko, a married couple."
Hongo Daruma-ya has inherited the tradition and continues to make these crafts to this day. It is a craft that we hope will continue to pass on the techniques to future generations
Hongo Daruma-ya <Information>
Name: Hongo Daruma-ya
Address: 4-32-12 Kabira, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
Kokeshi no Shimanuki is a shop in Sendai that sells traditional crafts
In addition to Matsukawa Daruma, they also carry many other kokeshi dolls and traditional crafts from Miyagi Prefecture, which can also be purchased through their online shop
Kokeshi Shimanuki ＜Information＞
Name: Kokeshi no Shimanuki Main Store
Address: 3-1-17 Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture
We introduced the Matsukawa Daruma from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. The sentiment behind the blue Matsukawa Daruma is in line with the modern-day wish for good health
The Matsukawa Daruma's strong, wide-open eyes give it a reliable appearance. Why not welcome it into your home as a prayer for good health and safety for the year?
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