Hariko Hikone

Hariko HikoneA paper mach mold (hariko) that originated in Hikone, near Lake Biwa. The form resembles Daruma, a monk who is said to have meditated for years until he lost his arms, but the atypical shape suggests a regional craft variant. An article (in Japanese) from 2015 details a gentleman who turned up 7 similar molds in Hikone, which marked the first time such molds were found in the region. Hariko are made by pasting recycled paper around a breakable wooden

the single piece metal frame is of exceptional quality

A highly unusual sleeveless ceremonial overgarment with wide

It has been stencil-dyed with a variety of patterns

An 18th–19th century Korean painting portraying the Buddha seated in a composed

the paper is shaped into cones

remaining green even through the harshest winters

embodying meditation and perseverance

this particular piece is distinctive

Kaoru Saito is mainly known for his mezzotints of sensitive female images and is one of the most successful mezzotint artists in Japan

one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune

The handle itself has a wonderful patina

which conveyed the ideals of Korean Confucian state that was preeminent at the time