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2018.3.67; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
2018.3.67; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Black, Red, and Gold Daruma Doll
2018.3.67; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
2018.3.67; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI

Black, Red, and Gold Daruma Doll

Artifact ID2018.3.67
Object Type Doll, Decorative
Date before 1975
Medium paint, wood, resin
DimensionsOverall H 3 3/4 in x W 3 3/4 in x D 3 3/4 in (9.5 cm x 9.5 cm x 9.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA spherical black-haired doll's face is painted on a dark red background, which is decorated with golden symmetrical flowers. A golden hand fan below the doll's face features a red rose in full bloom.
Historical NoteThis doll is from Susan Ford Bales' childhood doll collection. President Ford may have purchased it during his trip to Japan on November 18 to 22, 1974. This round object could possibly be a Japanese Daruma doll. In modern Japan, the Daruma is one of the most popular symbols of commitment to an important goal and considered to bring good luck. This armless, legless folk toy represents Bodhidharma, a Buddhist priest who was totally committed to achieving enlightenment through meditation. It is said that he lost the use of his legs and arms after sitting cross-legged for over nine years. These Daruma are made from papier-mâché and are weighted on the bottom, so that when knocked on their side they will return to an upright position. Many Japanese individuals and corporations buy a Daruma doll, make a resolution and then paint in one of the eyes. If, during the year, they are able to achieve their goal, they paint in the second eye. At the end of the year, it is customary to take the Daruma doll to a temple, where it is burned in a big bonfire.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteFirst Daughter Susan Ford Bales donated the item to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum in 2018.
Credit LineGift of Susan Ford Bales
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Relating to the Family of Gerald and Betty Ford (74627970)
Use Restriction Status Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images are thereof unrestricted.
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