Japanese Daruma Netsuke
Vintage Japanese Daruma Netsuke signed Tomoyuki
Age:1940s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: 1-1/2”h x 1-1/4”w x 1-1/8”d
Many netsuke take the shape of various aspects of Japanese culture within the Shinto faith in the effigy of Bodhidharma (Daruma), a monk who began the Zen school of Buddhism in China and Japan. One of the most prominent examples is this antique ivory Netsuke, (Katabori three-dimensional carving) for which the infamous figure is wearing a monastic hooded robe. The artist perfectly captures his stern and penetrating stare with eyes that extend from the sockets, facial hair, and five intricately detailed chrysanthemum flowers on the front of his robe and five on the back, and two on the side of the figure, all beautifully incised and etched with ink. It appears that the artist etched a different floral detailing on every piece of this model. There is one large Himotoshi opening alongside a smaller opening on the back to attach to a cord for wearing with the Obi and associated pouch. Below the Himotoshi openings is a signature of the artist that translates Tomoyuki.
Additional Information: As the kimono, the traditional form of Japanese dress, had no pockets, the Japanese men suspended small items they needed to take with them, such as tobacco pouches, pipes, and writing implements on a silk cord that held a netsuke which and stopped the pouch from slipping off the sash.
Originally the netsuke (toggle) was made from found objects such as roots or shells, which were selected for their aesthetic appeal, but over time the toggle itself developed as an art form. Many fine carvers devoted themselves to netsuke carving, but the demand was so great, that other artisan took up their manufacture. While ivory and wood were the most commonly used material, netsuke was also made from bone, metal, and other materials available in the various regions of Japan. The custom of wearing netsuke flourished in Japan for more than three centuries - from around 1600 to the mid-19th century, but the golden age of the netsuke is considered to be from 1800 to 1850.
Condition: Exceptional condition exhibiting an aged patination and meticulous care, no damage, with minimal imperfections related to daily use. “As is” means the object has not been restored and retains the original craftsmanship with little age deterioration.
... Read more
