A Daruma dolls is regarded as a talisman of good luck in Japanese culture.

Traditionally Darumas are made of papier-mâché, with a round and hollow shape weighted at the bottom. They are bought and gifted with blank eyes. The recipient draws one eye when setting a short-term goal, thus turning the Daruma into a reminder of the task ahead and a symbol of encouragement and perseverance. Once the goal has been achieved, the second eye is drawn.

Just after New Year’s Day, Darumas are taken to a temple and burnt in a traditional ceremony, while new ones are purchased for the new year.

The CROWNED DARUMA is Roberto Cambi’s own take on this lucky charm. The burning ceremony is replaced by lighting a candle positioned in the golden crown. This completes the cycle. The eyes are wiped clean and the Daruma is ready for another task.