Vintage Japanese Wooden Ornament, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-689-1

Japanese Daruma Okimono Wooden Figure | Vintage Desktop Ornament & Shelf Decor, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-689-1

A boldly painted lathe-turned okimono depicting Daruma (Bodhidharma) -- a striking wabi-sabi accent for any living room or home office.

A daruma okimono is a traditional Japanese decorative figure representing Bodhidharma, the Indian monk credited with founding Zen Buddhism. Daruma imagery has been central to Japanese folk craft for centuries, symbolizing perseverance, good fortune, and the spirit of "nana korobi ya oki" -- fall seven times, get up eight. This particular piece is a beautifully lathe-turned wooden figure with a smooth, elongated egg form, finished in a rich deep amber-to-dark-brown lacquer that deepens toward the base and crown. The face is rendered with remarkable hand-painted detail: heavily furrowed brows in black, fierce wide-set eyes with white pupils, a boldly brushed beard and mustache rendered in fine hairline strokes, and a vivid red-accented mouth -- all hallmarks of vintage Japanese craft from the late Showa era. The reverse reveals an unadorned deep-lacquered surface, and the base shows a small turned plug, typical of kokeshi and okimono construction of this period.

In a modern home, this vintage Japanese wooden ornament works beautifully as a living room accent piece, adding a wabi-sabi aesthetic and a touch of Zen folklore to any shelf or side table. Its compact, self-standing form makes it an ideal desk ornament in a home office or meditation space -- a daily reminder of resilience and focus. It also makes a memorable and unique gift for collectors of Japanese antiques or Japanophiles who appreciate handcrafted folk art. Displayed solo or grouped with other okimono and mingei pieces, it brings an unmistakable warmth and character to Japandi-style interiors.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Turned hardwood with lacquer finish; hand-painted pigment decoration
• Use: Decorative okimono (ornamental figure); folk art display piece
• Modern Use: Living room shelf accent; home office desk ornament; unique gift for collectors or Japanophiles
• Features: Smooth elongated egg form with deep amber-to-dark-brown lacquer; detailed hand-painted Daruma face with furrowed brows, fierce eyes, and finely stroked beard; turned plug visible at base; glossy finish throughout
• Dimensions: 4" Diameter x 8"H
• Condition: Excellent

A captivating piece of vintage Japanese folk craft -- this hand-painted daruma okimono brings the enduring spirit of Zen tradition and wabi-sabi charm to any modern interior.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.