Lacquered Wooden Daruma (Bodhidharma) Egg Figure

A smooth, egg-shaped wooden figure of Daruma, the bearded Bodhidharma, finished in a rich, glossy reddish-brown lacquer that shows the wood grain beneath. His face is hand-painted with fierce dark brows, wide staring eyes with white highlights, a red nose and mouth, a brushed brown moustache and full beard, and large earlobes with earrings. His robe is outlined in fine black lines that wrap around the body. It's palm-sized and nicely weighty, and the form and painting are most likely Japanese. It's in good condition with a lovely deep shine.

Daruma's armless, legless egg shape comes from a famous legend. Bodhidharma, the monk credited with bringing Zen to China, is said to have meditated facing a cave wall on Mount Song for nine years, until his arms and legs withered away. That's why Daruma figures are rounded with no limbs, and why they stand for patience and perseverance.