Vintage Japanese Wooden Ornament, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-689-2

Japanese Daruma Wood Carving | Desk Sculpture & Living Room Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-689-2

A boldly hand-carved daruma figurine in richly dark hardwood -- signed by the artist and steeped in the spirit of perseverance.

A daruma is a traditional Japanese good-luck figurine modeled after Bodhidharma, the Indian monk credited with founding Zen Buddhism. Renowned for his fierce, unblinking gaze and legendary nine years of seated meditation, Bodhidharma became a symbol of unwavering determination -- and his likeness has been rendered in Japanese folk art for centuries. This vintage Japanese antique carving captures that intensity with remarkable skill: the face is deeply relief-carved with heavy brow ridges, a broad nose, a full beard rendered in fine incised lines, and the characteristic look of resolute concentration. The rounded, egg-shaped body is carved with vertical fluted folds suggesting robes, and the whole piece has been polished to a warm, deep luster. The wood -- a dense, close-grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon) or a similarly dark-toned species -- has developed a rich chocolate-brown patina consistent with several decades of careful handling. The back of the figure bears a handwritten artist's signature in flowing brushwork script, confirming this is a one-of-a-kind, signed handcrafted Japanese wood sculpture rather than a mass-produced souvenir.

In a modern home, this striking piece works beautifully as a living room accent or home office desk sculpture -- its commanding presence and wabi-sabi aesthetic making it an instant conversation piece on a shelf, sideboard, or tokonoma-style display niche. Collectors of Japanese antique folk art will appreciate the confident carving and the signed provenance, while design-minded buyers will love how its deep tones complement Japandi style interiors alongside natural linen, matte ceramics, and warm wood tones. It also makes a unique gift for collectors or a memorable housewarming gift for anyone who appreciates handcrafted Japanese craft with genuine character and history.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Dense, close-grained hardwood, possibly kaki (persimmon); hand-polished finish with artist's signature in script on reverse
• Use: Decorative daruma figurine; good-luck and perseverance symbol for home or office display
• Modern Use: Desk sculpture and living room accent; display piece for a Japandi or wabi-sabi styled shelf or sideboard; unique gift for collectors of Japanese antique folk art
• Features: Deeply relief-carved face with expressive brow, beard, and furrowed features; fluted robe carving on the rounded body; high-gloss hand-polished dark patina; artist's brushwork signature inscribed on the reverse
• Dimensions: 6" Diameter x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A powerful piece of handcrafted Japanese antique folk art -- this signed daruma carving brings the timeless spirit of Zen perseverance into any modern home.

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.