A WOOD NETSUKE OF A MEDITATING DARUMAUnsigned, wood netsukeJapan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Daruma is the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism, the son of an Indian king who went to China in the 6th century. He spent nine years gazing at a wall, known as Menpeki Kunen. Although he is a personification of Buddhist law, he is often parodied, not just in netsuke art. This work however shows him in a serious manner, meditating with his legs tightly crossed. The recesses in his face and especially the garment folds are strikingly colored in black, and the lightly stained wood has a very appealing patina. Himotoshi through the back.HEIGHT 4.3 CMCondition: Very good conditionProvenance: British private collection