The Daruma doll at Katsuo-Ji Temple

Personal work | 2023 |

Last month, I traveled to Osaka and visited Katsuo-ji Temple, which was one of my favorite spots throughout the trip. The temple was filled with adorable Daruma dolls.
Later, I looked up information about Daruma and was amazed to learn that the dolls represent a legendary monk who meditated facing a wall for nine years, causing his arms and legs to atrophy, resulting in the unique shape we see today. Knowing this, I couldn‘t resist creating an animated Daruma doll secretly stretching its limbs when no one was watching.