Zen Buddhism was introduced to Japan around the Kamakura period (1192-1333) and was highly revered by the Kamakura Shogunate.
During the Muromachi period (1338-1573), "daruma" toys appeared, initially in many different forms.
By the Edo period (1603-1867), daruma dolls modeled after Bodhidharma meditating became the most popular and iconic. Later, every household would purchase daruma dolls as mascots, praying for prosperous business, bountiful harvests, and protection from misfortune.
The daruma doll was named "daruma" after Bodhidharma, and later "daruma" became synonymous with roly-poly dolls.
