Vintage Traditional Japanese Daruma Wooden Wall Plaque

Dimensions: 9-1/2”h x 8-3/4”w x 2-0”d

If you do a search you will not find many masks or carved wall plaques featuring this religious figure since very few remain. The monk became a wall-gazer. He meditated, eyes to a wall, in a seated position for nine years, without breaks, and without closing his eyes, except once, after seven years. In reverse this plaque is not gazing at the wall but to be hung on the wall and at one time found in many Japanese homes close to their home Butsudan where Buddhas are displayed. Wall art of this type is outstanding in its form and details and is treasured to be kept in homes as a daily reminder of one's intentions and perseverance. 

In this beautifully detailed hand-carving Daruma's face is the main feature of this plaque with his large open eyes, expressive frowning mouth, exaggerated ear with his big hoop earring, which was a symbol of religion and power within societies, and framed by ample black eyebrows and beard. Running up the side of his face is a beautifully carved Hossu, (fly whisk which is a symbol of Buddhist monastic hierarchy). The carver used the exact technical perfection as art in other formats by artists of the period. It is deeply carved and made of Sakura, (Cherry) wood. It has one set of wholes with a cord to hang on a wall. The piece is unsigned, but when purchasing this piece at a fundraiser, we were told it was made by a monk who resided in a temple in Koyasan, a monastery in the small, forested town where the monk Kobo Daishi first introduced Shinbone buddhism.

Condition: Excellent condition, beautiful detail carving and celebration of the natural wood. The plaque is without signs of wear and commensurate with age.