The Daruma, or Dharma, is seen as the father of Zen Buddhism, which is who is represented in the Daruma dolls. These dolls were first developed in in Japan during the Edo period, 1615-1868, and are colored primarily red. This color was chosen due to the folklore that the smallpox god enjoyed it. Red is now not only recognized as a smallpox protection but also functions as a general illness protection, specifically in relation to the Daruma doll itself. Another belief involving red is that those who are sick may be clothed in the color and it will promote being cured. Gohei, red strips, were commonly used to decorate the altar dedicated to the smallpox god. The piece itself involves a flat representation of a Daruma doll and a holy barrier setup
