Daruma Otoshi set from Japan, mid 20th century. This simple game is similar to Jenga: the goal is to use the small hammer that holds the pieces in place to knock out the lower blocks, one by one, without causing the Daruma doll at the top to fall. It's a test of precision and steady hands. Daruma is, of course, the ubiquitous Japanese character who represents the famous itinerant monk Bodhidharma. Signed "Marusaku," possibly meaning "Maru made this."
Daruma Otoshi set from Japan, mid 20th century. This simple game is similar to Jenga: the goal is to use the small hammer that holds the pieces in place to knock out the lower blocks, one by one, without causing the Daruma doll at the top to fall. It's a test of precision and steady hands. Daruma is, of course, the ubiquitous Japanese character who represents the famous itinerant monk Bodhidharma. Signed "Marusaku," possibly meaning "Maru made this."
