Daruma, standing wrapped in cloth, sad eyes

This Netsuke is of Bodhidarma, or in Japan, usually called Daruma. He is an immensely popular theme in local culture with Japanese of all ages buying Daruma, often in papier-mâché form. In this case usually the pupils' are absent from Daruma's large eyes. An eye is painted on for a wish, for example prior to an exam, or when starting a new business. Once the wish has been accomplished, the second eye is added in. No wonder that Daruma is considered an important Netsuke theme! Bodhidarma is an historical person, a Chinese monk who lived during the 5th-6th century CE. Legend has it that it was he who began the physical training of the Shaolin monks. Usually, he is represented as a grim looking fellow, complete with bushy eyebrows and beard and he is always depicted as only a torso. In Japan, it is believed that this monk mediated for so long, that his limbs fell off. Daruma symbolises perseverance and luck.

This Netsuke version of Daruma was beautifully carved from boxwood over 100 years ago. The boxwood has attained a wonderful patina from use and it fits my hand perfectly. On the bottom it is signed with the characters for "Yoshihisa". I was attracted by this somewhat uncharacteristic depiction of the usually fierce looking monk. This Daruma seems wrapped in a towel, almost like a baby, only his face showing, bearing a sad expression, albeit full of wisdom.