Samurai Okiagari Roly-poly Doll

Samurais were warriors from the old times in Japan. They were part of the military elite of the country, especially in the XVth century. All of them followed a very strict code of conduct called Bushido, the way of the warrior. Self-discipline, kindness, courage and loyalty were their highest qualities.

Okiagari-koboshi means "little monk who stands up". It is a traditional Japanese roly-poly doll made with papier-mâché. It is designed in such a way that it always returns to the vertical position, even if you try to tip it to one side. Okiagaris have been a part of Japanese children's toys for a long time. They were already mentioned in writings of the fourteenth century. 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.

Okiagaris symbolize perseverance and resistance in times of adversity. They remind this 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.