Netsuke, wood, ivory. Japan
to Mitsuhiro from Osaka (see note). Daruma was the founder of the Zen Buddhism. He became popular for his meditation over many years while seated in front of a wall. Here the netsuke presents the typical posture: wrapped in a warm blanket, the face displaying a delicate and sensuous smile, surprisingly revealing the onna daruma (usually a okame - Shinto deity), the bottom is removeable to reveal the naked lower body of the onna, himotoshi lined with a loop and running through the interior, excellent patina.
HEIGHT 4,6 CM
From a German private collection
Note: This onna daruma is attributed to Mitsuhiro. It was also a popular motif of Masahiro and other examples can be found by Mitsutsugu (all originating from Osaka). A very similar example by Mitsuhiru is illustrated in the book by Neil Davey, see no. 98. However, beside the erotic aspect of this motif, a further subtle humorous aspect of the “impossible†is implied – a woman would never be capable to remain seated in meditation without saying any word.