Japanese Vintage Daruma Character Lacquered Paper Mache' Incense Box

Dimensions: 1-5/8”h x 4-1/2”l x 3-3/4”w

This Beautiful and rare hand-made paper mache’ lacquered container is shaped in the figure of the Japanese character DARUMA. This monk is the symbol representing restless dreaming and is accredited with the founding of Zen Buddhism and the father of numerous types of martial arts. The box is fully covered in the characteristic red lacquer (which represents health and self-improvement) and gold lacquer accents incorporated into the drawing accenting both the face and the folds in his robe. The container depicts his face with eyes fully opened definitive eyebrows, this traditional facial hair, and a large wide nose. The container is in two sections at the top and pulls up to add and remove cone incense. 

Many Shinto items of this type find new life as cherished religious items, which foreigners sometimes use when practicing Shinto outside Japan.  Many of the Japanese who we have discussed this with tell us by religious figures that they are pleased to learn that old item of their native faith are often well received by Shinto believers abroad who continue the practice.

See additional Sections of our site for those who want to start or expand their lacquer collection that continues to be sought-after and categorized as highly collectible artifacts:  https://mingeiarts.com/collections/lacquerware. Also see our Blog on Lacquerware: https://mingeiarts.com/blogs/celebration-of-mingei-journey-through-japan/lacquerwork-an-important-intangible-ancient-art

Condition: Excellent condition meaning that the piece retains its original craft/workmanship and functions as intended, showing a wonderful-developed patina that suggests a degree of wear that corresponds to its vintage and meets all the standards of the collectible Vintage Traditional Folk Art.