Okiagari-Koboshi literally means small priest standing. It is a traditional Japanese culbuto made of papier mache and designed in such a way to always return to the vertical position when tilted on the side. It symbolizes perseverance and resistance to adversity, echoing the Japanese proverb: "Seven times on the ground, eight times standing". Tradition has it that we buy a culbuto for each family member plus one, in the hope that the family is growing in the year. Dimensions: Height: 4.8 cm Composition: crepe paper and symbolic Washi paper: Perseverance & Resistance Manufacturing: Japan The opinion of the Kumo workshop: a tradition coming straight from the country of the rising sun! History: The first emperor in Japan was called Ojin and he reigned in the 4th century. For more than 1500 years, the emperor was considered the supreme priest who served as an intermediary between men and the gods. He never involved in the country's military affairs and his role has always been rather ceremonial and symbolic. Nowadays, the Emperor of Japan is the only one to carry this title in the world. It is a symbol of protection and eternity.