A wooden netsuke depicting a Daruma doll featuring articulated eyes with inlays of mother-of-pearl and black horn. Incised signature to the back of the figure. Bone himotoshi to the underside. Bodhidharma, known in Japan as Daruma, was an Indian monk of the sixth century regarded as the founder of Zen Buddhism. According to tradition, he spent nine years meditating in a cave facing a wall, without moving his gaze and without closing his eyelids. Netsuke, composed of the kanji ne (根), meaning "root," and tsuke (付け), meaning "to attach," are small Japanese sculptures originally used as fasteners to secure objects to the sashes of kimono (obi 帯). From the late 19th century they became highly collectible in Europe and America, admired for the variety of subjects, the fine details, the patina and their strong tactile appeal. ---The netsuke is in good condition, with light wear consistent with age and use. Please refer to the pictures for further details. The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or FedEx, accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy. 437