Carved Wood Daruma (Bodhidharma) Figure, Inscribed, 16.8 cm - Wood - Japan - Taishō period (1912-1926)
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A Taishō-period carved wooden Daruma (Bodhidharma) figure from Japan, 16.8 cm high and 14 cm wide, weighing about 533 g, with an underside inscription 好古, in fair condition as an original piece.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A carved wooden figure of Daruma, the Japanese name for Bodhidharma, shown seated with his robes gathered around the lower body. The compact, broad-based form measures approximately 16.8 cm high. Warm reddish-brown areas alternate with darker recesses, giving the figure a strong sculptural presence at a small scale.
The face is the focal point. A pronounced brow, deeply outlined eyes, a broad nose and an incised beard create a stern, attentive expression. Fine lines across the forehead contrast with the larger, rounded surfaces of the head covering and cheeks. The robe frames the exposed chest, where further incised detail is visible, before falling into sweeping folds across the lap and knees.
The side and rear views reveal how these folds continue around the figure. Broad, relatively smooth planes on the back are crossed by a few deeply cut curves, while the front is more densely worked. The wood grain remains visible in several areas, especially where the brown tones are lighter. Changes in sheen across the surface emphasise both the carved contours and the existing wear.
Bodhidharma is traditionally revered as the founder of Chan Buddhism in China, known as Zen in Japan. In Japanese art, Daruma's forceful gaze, prominent facial features and enveloping robes became a recognisable way of expressing concentration and the presence of a spiritual teacher. This figure can be viewed in that broader iconographic tradition. The cultural background identifies the subject; it does not establish the place, workshop or date of this particular carving.
The underside bears the two incised characters 好古. The carver's identity and the intended reading of the mark have not been established, so the inscription is recorded without an attribution to a named artist. The figure is undated, and neither a specific historical period nor a wood species has been verified. The precise composition of the surface finish is also unknown.
The rounded silhouette and expressive face make the carving suitable for close viewing on a shelf or in a small sculpture display. Its interest lies in the contrast between the firmly modelled features, flowing robe and visible grain, together with the individual surface characteristics shown in the photographs.
Material: carved wood with a brown surface finish; wood species unidentified.
Approximate measurements: height 16.8 cm, width 14 cm; the remaining dimension is reported as 10.5 cm.
Reported weight: approximately 533 g.
Condition: used, with scratches, rubbing, scattered small marks and uneven surface colour. A visible crack crosses the lower front and reaches the bottom edge. The underside shows numerous scratches and abrasions, and finer lines and worn areas are visible elsewhere. The depth and stability of the cracks, and any previous restoration, have not been established by physical inspection. Please examine the detailed photographs closely.
The two interior presentation images combine photographs of this carving with AI-generated room backgrounds and are labelled as visualisations. The white-background images are digitally isolated photographs. Unedited photographs are also provided to show the actual object, its inscription and its condition.
1828
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
A carved wooden figure of Daruma, the Japanese name for Bodhidharma, shown seated with his robes gathered around the lower body. The compact, broad-based form measures approximately 16.8 cm high. Warm reddish-brown areas alternate with darker recesses, giving the figure a strong sculptural presence at a small scale.
The face is the focal point. A pronounced brow, deeply outlined eyes, a broad nose and an incised beard create a stern, attentive expression. Fine lines across the forehead contrast with the larger, rounded surfaces of the head covering and cheeks. The robe frames the exposed chest, where further incised detail is visible, before falling into sweeping folds across the lap and knees.
The side and rear views reveal how these folds continue around the figure. Broad, relatively smooth planes on the back are crossed by a few deeply cut curves, while the front is more densely worked. The wood grain remains visible in several areas, especially where the brown tones are lighter. Changes in sheen across the surface emphasise both the carved contours and the existing wear.
Bodhidharma is traditionally revered as the founder of Chan Buddhism in China, known as Zen in Japan. In Japanese art, Daruma's forceful gaze, prominent facial features and enveloping robes became a recognisable way of expressing concentration and the presence of a spiritual teacher. This figure can be viewed in that broader iconographic tradition. The cultural background identifies the subject; it does not establish the place, workshop or date of this particular carving.
The underside bears the two incised characters 好古. The carver's identity and the intended reading of the mark have not been established, so the inscription is recorded without an attribution to a named artist. The figure is undated, and neither a specific historical period nor a wood species has been verified. The precise composition of the surface finish is also unknown.
The rounded silhouette and expressive face make the carving suitable for close viewing on a shelf or in a small sculpture display. Its interest lies in the contrast between the firmly modelled features, flowing robe and visible grain, together with the individual surface characteristics shown in the photographs.
Material: carved wood with a brown surface finish; wood species unidentified.
Approximate measurements: height 16.8 cm, width 14 cm; the remaining dimension is reported as 10.5 cm.
Reported weight: approximately 533 g.
Condition: used, with scratches, rubbing, scattered small marks and uneven surface colour. A visible crack crosses the lower front and reaches the bottom edge. The underside shows numerous scratches and abrasions, and finer lines and worn areas are visible elsewhere. The depth and stability of the cracks, and any previous restoration, have not been established by physical inspection. Please examine the detailed photographs closely.
The two interior presentation images combine photographs of this carving with AI-generated room backgrounds and are labelled as visualisations. The white-background images are digitally isolated photographs. Unedited photographs are also provided to show the actual object, its inscription and its condition.
1828
Seller's Story
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page. I primarily handle Japanese antiques, as well as Western antiques, art pieces, and pre-loved items that have been cherished in Japan. Growing up in a family of historians—my grandfather was a historian and my father was an archaeologist—I have always been captivated by the eras and stories these historic objects and works of art carry with them.
My listings feature collections from both Japan and the West, pieces that have stood the test of time and remained beloved through the ages. Through these rare treasures, I hope to share with you the delight of ownership and discovery. As a professional, I strive for honest and sincere transactions to ensure customer satisfaction, always leveraging my experience and eye for quality.
I strongly believe in not letting buyers down, so I describe items as accurately and thoroughly as possible, prioritizing secure and careful packaging. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. It would be my pleasure to help enrich your collecting experience.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to doing business with you.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
Taishō period (1912-1926)
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Wood
Height
16.8 cm
Width
14 cm
Title of artwork
Carved Wood Daruma (Bodhidharma) Figure, Inscribed, 16.8 cm
Condition
Fair condition
Authenticity
Original/official
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