Ceramic Japanese Daruma Figurine Coin Bank Good Luck Gift This cool little guy has a back story - the daruma doll is is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after the found of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. They are typically red and depicting the monk, Bodhidharma. It's design is rich in symbolism and is regarded as good luck. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been used by many Buddhist temples to use alongside the setting of goals. The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold. Monte A. Greer, author of Daruma Eyes, described the "oversized symmetrical round blank white eyes" as a means to keep track of goals or big tasks and motivate them to work to the finish. The recipient of the doll fills in one eye upon setting the goal, then the other upon fulfilling it. In this way, every time they see the one-eyed Daruma, they recall the goal.