Okiagari Roly-poly Doll - Monk Ikkyu-san

Monk Ikkyu-san
Ikkyu-San was a zen monk and Japanese poet from the 15th century. He was famous for his wild life and scandals: he was known to drink a lot and to frequent brothels, but also practice meditation. It is said that the cawing of a crow allowed him to achieve full enlightenment, known as Satori, while he was meditating on a rowboat on Lake Biwa. Ikkyu-San shows us that a good life can be compatible with wisdom. A manga comic based on the epic life of the monk Ikkyu was published in the1990s.

A Japanese Tradition
Okiagari-koboshi means “little monk who stands up”. These traditional Japanese roly-poly dolls are made from papier-mâché. They are designed to always return to an upright position, even if you try to tip them onto their side. Okiagaris were actually mentioned in 14th-century writings.

Symbolism
Okiagaris symbolise perseverance and determination in times of adversity. They are a reminder of the old Japanese proverb “Fall seven times, stand up eight”. According to tradition, a doll is given to each person in the family plus one, in the hope that a baby will be born during the year. During the Tokaichi or Tenth Day Market, customers drop a few dolls at a time, and the ones that remain standing are said to bring good fortune.