Vintage Japanese DARUMA (Bodhidharma) by Hoshi Hiroaki

Dimension:  3-0” h x 2-1/2” dia.

Born in 1953 this wonderful hand-painted figure of Daruma by Hoshi Hiroaki is made of one piece of the beautifully detailed figure with an exceptionally expressive face showing Daruma’s determined expression with opened white eyes and black pupils. A major feature is his large ears with ear loops and pronounced nose, with a very textured and heavy beard with a red outlined mouth. His eyebrows are said to be shaped like cranes, (“the crane said to live 1000 years, and the Tsuba long-lived Tortoise, (Monogamy) with his Tail of Seaweed representing by his beard and said to live 10,000”), both representing longevity. After the turning and carving the maple wood figure was finished with a type of natural candle wax,(Rosoku no ro). 

Daruma is said to have introduced the sencha tea culture to Japan, and the whisk indicates that scholarly conversation was taking place. The piece has the artist's script signature on the back of the doll.

Condition:  Generally excellent vintage condition, commensurate with age and retaining the original craft/workmanship and natural features of the wood from which it is made—an Exceptional representation of this notable religious founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. The piece meets all the standards of Zen Buddhist art.