Shōwa-period Ittōbori Carved Wood Daruma Figure, Japan

A handmade wooden Daruma figure from Japan's Shōwa period, carved using the traditional Japanese ittōbori (single-knife carving) technique. Made from natural wood, it keeps the warm grain and aged colour of the wood itself; the craftsman's skilled knife-work renders Daruma's piercing eyes, his resolute and composed expression, and forceful facial features. Daruma derives from Bodhidharma, founder of Zen Buddhism, and in Japanese culture is regarded as a symbol of perseverance, determination, success and the fulfilment of wishes. Since the Edo period, Daruma has become one of the most representative good-luck charms in Japanese folk culture, widely associated with wishes for prosperous business, passing exams, career success and achieving life goals. This is not an ordinary mass-produced craft item but was carved cut by cut using traditional woodcarving techniques; from the eyes and bridge of the nose to the lines of the mouth, it is full of the craftsman's warmth, displaying a strong Shōwa-period folk-craft style and the character of Japanese woodcarving.

Features

■ Traditional Japanese Ittōbori Carving, Showing the Beauty of the Maker's Blade

Ittōbori is one of Japan's most representative wood-carving techniques, in which crisp cuts of the blade preserve the vitality and artistry of the carving process.

In this piece the marks of the blade interweave clearly with the grain of the wood; without over-polishing or refinement, it shows the truest artistic value of hand carving. Every cut records the maker's skill and the process of creation, which adds to its meaning as a collectable.

■ A Vivid Image of Daruma, Lively in Spirit

The most compelling thing about the piece is Daruma's resolute, powerful expression.

The greatly enlarged eyes stand for focus and persistence, while the slightly furrowed brow and composed face convey the unyielding spirit of Daruma's practice. The carving is full and substantial in proportion and strong in effect; even in a corner of a room it immediately draws every eye.

■ Natural Patina on Vintage Wood, with the Feeling of Passing Years

After decades of keeping, the wood has developed a naturally mellow patina.

Unlike modern reproductions, this piece shows colour changes and marks of history left by natural oxidation, with the settled character and appeal particular to Shōwa vintage pieces, which also makes it more recognisable in the antiques market.

■ A Representative Piece of Japanese Good-Fortune Culture

In traditional Japanese culture Daruma is seen as a symbol of:

wishes fulfilled

good fortune and blessing

success in business

improved fortune in money

thriving trade

progress in study

seeing things through

nanakorobi yaoki, rising again after every fall

— all important symbolic meanings. Many business owners, founders and shopkeepers like to place a Daruma in the office or shop, hoping its spirit will spur them on towards their goals.

■ A Hand-Carved Shōwa Vintage Piece; Fewer Come to Market Each Year

As Shōwa folk-craft works have gained regard in the international collecting market, the number of well-preserved, hand-carved wooden Daruma has fallen year by year.

Pieces that keep a natural patina, show clear grain and are finely carved in expression are especially favoured by Japanese folk-craft collectors, antique enthusiasts and interior designers, and hold a certain potential both to collect and to appreciate in value.

All dimensions are measured by hand and may vary by ±1 cm.

Because of differences in computer displays, the item may differ somewhat from the photographs, for example in colour and tone. In addition, every item in our shop is an antique or vintage piece; being old, such pieces will inevitably carry traces of history or of use. To avoid unnecessary disputes, please buy only if you do not mind this. If you are a perfectionist, please do not place an order. (Auction notes) (Please also read the shopping notes in full.)

Specifications

Dimensions	L 17 × W 18 × H 24 cm