Japanese Meiji Ivory Netsuke of Children Pulling Daruma | Signed Okimono

Dimension: 1-0”h x 3-4” d x 1-3/4” l 

A miniature Antique Ivory carving or ornamental toggle, (Netsuke) is used to attach a medicine box, pipe, or tobacco pouch to the obi (sash) depicting two children pulling a Daruma, the Zen Patriarch. The girl and boy have a natural-looking rope tied to Daruma with a grim facial expression with furrowed and inked eyebrows and are tightly wrapped in his robe. Part of the interpretation is a Temari ball at their feet. Both children have jackets that are detailed with patterns.

Of course, this is not a toy, but in this case, and through artifacts such as these, they speak of a child’s early appreciation of Daruma, “omocha”, (toys) that support goal-setting and resilience – something the ancient Daruma himself represents so well. Children were encouraged to take Darma along with them as they travel throughout life as represented in these children dragging off Daruma through their next venture.

Antique Condition: Mint condition and as originally crafted and in perfect condition retaining its beautiful patination from natural aging.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: A special Thanks to preservation efforts, animals and endangered materials, (e.g. ivory, rare woods, and semi-precious stones) are conservatively used today, if not banned altogether. However, we recognize that these materials have been important since ancient times for making a wide range of functional and decorative items. We only feature antique ivory and rare tree species because, while we support conservation, we truly feel that the experience and appreciation of historic artifacts should also be preserved.