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Japanese Antique Wood Carving Daruma 1860-1920s / Sculpture Wabi Sabi Mingei

$1,150
£884.66
€1,026.83
CA$1,621.77
A$1,816.66
CHF 954.18
MX$22,090.01
NOK 12,082.98
SEK 11,470
DKK 7,663.67

About the Item

This is an old wooden form of Daruma made in Japan. It is estimated to have been made between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1860s-1920s) and seems to have been made of cedar wood. Deep cracks and sooty black tints caused by aging give this wooden form a unique and dignified presence. A daruma wooden form is a prototype of daruma carved from wood, and may have been used as a papier-mâché piece for mass production. Few of these pieces remain today, and their value as art pieces that transcend the framework of utilitarian objects is attracting attention. The charm of this piece lies above all in its rustic form and primitive carving marks. The rough chiseled surfaces show the artist's hand movements as they are, and give the work a sense of “vigor” and “thought” rather than uniformity and sophistication. The contours of the face and the expression of the eyes and noses are simple yet powerful, giving a somewhat humorous yet sacred impression. The blackish-brown sheen covering the surface has a smoky patina, indicating that it has been placed near a hearth for many years, and gives the piece a depth beyond mere antiquity. The large cracks are not a flaw in this piece, but rather a part of its beauty as traces of its dialogue with nature. The beauty of the form created by the passage of time is here. This wooden form, small in size but with an overwhelming presence, is a gem for those who resonate with the spirit of folk art, folk art, Zen, and wabi-sabi. It is a work of quiet power that embodies the Japanese aesthetic of "beauty lies not in perfection, but in imperfection. Weight: 4 kg ________________________________ Our Philosophy Objects always tell the truth. All I can do is just to face with them sincerely and give them deep affection as much as I can. There is no boundary of nationalities and of eras in beauty. But I think now is the time we choose 'Japanese style' and it will be the best way to remind us of what we are losing today and to question us about an essence of beauty again. I hope that you can touch the memories which the objects here have, feel and think of something invisible but exists undoubtedly.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)Width: 9.06 in (23 cm)Depth: 8.27 in (21 cm)
  • Style:
    Meiji (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1860s-1920s
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Chōsei District Nagara, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10403245810482

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