AN EXCELLENT BRONZE STATUE OF DARUMA, 17th/18th CENTURY

Bronze
Japan, 17th/18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)


Daruma, the first patriarch of Zen-Buddhism, is standing fully clothed, his garments flowing beautifully with his arms crossed and hidden under his robes. He is bare-chested and has an indignant expression, though somewhat disgruntled, as he is looking downwards with his bushy eyebrows lowered and pouting lips. His facial expression is executed with great detail, as well as the curls of his eyebrows and the curls on the side of his shimmering bald head.

It is said that Bodhidharma, in Japanese Daruma, had meditated in a cave in front of a wall for seven years, not speaking or moving, though he fell asleep once and cut off his eyelids consequently. Thus, he is often depicted in a grotesque manner, sometimes poking fun at the Zen patriarch, especially in later works. This early work comes across as highly spiritual with only the incredibly detailed facial expression conveying his discontent.

Shape: Figural
Dimensions: Height of the figure 28.3 cm (total 30.3 cm)
Condition: Excellent condition, with a remarkable patina. The figure has been attached to a later base.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Frank S. Janotta, acquired at Sotheby’s, Japanese Works of Art, London, 13-14th November 1986, lot 1129. With old invoice, proof of export and old cue card.

Auction result comparison: A comparable early figure of Daruma, in wood and dated to the Muromachi period, was sold at Christie’s, Japanese and Korean Art, New York, 17 September 2009, lot 1054