Hongo Daruma-ya
The Matsukawa Daruma craft has been kept alive by the crafters at Hongo Daruma-ya for centuries. Here, authentic Matsukawa Daruma are made by the descendants of samurai using the exact same techniques and methods as 200 years ago. Today, the art and tradition is being continued at Hongo Daruma-ya by Mr. and Mrs. Hongo with the help of another dedicated craftsman.
Matsukawa Daruma
History
It is said that Matsukawa Daruma dolls were originally created by Toyonoshin Matsukawa, a samurai of the Date clan. His apprentice, Kyuzaburo Hongo, inherited the unique techniques of the craft and passed them down the Hongo family line for 10 generations. By strictly adhering to the wishes of Lord Masamune Date, who taught his clan to “put both eyes” onto their creations, to this day, only the male descendants of the samurai are able to draw black eyes onto Matsukawa Daruma. At Hongo Daruma-ya, this task falls upon Mr. Hongo.