

Shino-yaki Pottery Figure
Japanese Vintage Shino-yaki Daruma Clay Figure | Zen Buddhism Okimono
Age:1950s (Showa 15)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 4-1/8”h x 4-0”w x 3-1/2”d
A beautiful Japanese Shino Yaki ware studio pottery figure representing Daruma, (Bodhidharma) is treasured in Japanese culture to symbolize one’s goals, actions, and outcomes. The figure features a sumptuous glaze with wonderful subtle shifts in color, pattern, and texture and ranges from snowy white to light yellow cream tone and grey, with varying textures. Shino first appeared in Japan in the Momoyama era, (1568-1600), and encompasses the Japanese Buddhist “wabi-sabi” aesthetic, which is a worldview centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection, and the appreciation of the natural firing process that created them. Daruma is seated with one leg bent with toes sticking out from under his robe, and the other leg folded under beneath him. His arms are crossed as if keeping warm with only his face showing from under his cowl. The face is extremely expressive and if he is contemplating with one large ear, a pronounced nose, with a very textured and heavy beard.
The piece is not inscribed by the maker, and listing as 20th century, but could be older and incorporates an imperfect and incomplete feeling to the base which is part of the figure. Having purchased it from an estate in 1975, Daruma is presented on an old and beautifully carved rosewood wood stand which is most likely from an older Chinese period, (not stamped Chinese) and is perfect unto itself and perfectly paired to celebrate this wonderful figure.
Condition: Excellent and beautifully cared for, with no breaks no repairs, or missing elements. Meets all the Museum standards of collectible Folk Art.