Early Daruma Mold

Early Daruma MoldA fine and early Daruma mold with a near black patina. The grain of the wood can be seen on various portions of the piece. The mold was used to shape the figure of Daruma, the Zen Buddhist monk who is depicted in a seated posture, embodying meditation and perseverance. The Daruma doll is steeped in symbolism and is regarded by as a powerful talisman of good luck. Legend claims that the Bodhidharma sat facing a wall in meditation for nine years without

This example is thought to have served a performer at ceremonial occasions

Owari lord  Tokugawa Yoshinao established a kiln within the  Ofuke garden of Nagoya Castle

the cones soften

I can’t say for certain if the lines on the face of the rock are naturally occurring or were manually worked

It’s natural form is complemented by an earthy glaze

dripping glazes

workshop-made forms—spool

Reinforced around the neck with (likely) a bast fiber

Made of silk and paper

The Buddha is shown seated cross-legged atop a lotus throne emerging from stylized waves and floral motifs

Wood finished in deep urushi to emulate a well-used workshop vessel

A highly unusual example