A RARE LACQUERED DARK WOOD NETSUKE OF DARUMA Lot n° 43

Unsigned Japan, second half of 19th century Bodhidharma is shown seated meditatively, completely enveloped in his robe, the robe covered in stunning negoro lacquer. The red lacquer is highly contrasting to Daruma's black body, which shows the dark wood underneath. The netsuke is considerably heavy, so it is possible that the wood used is Chinese Zitan wood. The hair on his body is rendered in extremely fine lacquer, almost appearing like ukibori. He has a stern-faced expression with the eyes painted in red, surrounded by gold lacquer, and with black pupils. Himotoshi through the underside. HEIGHT 3 cm Condition: Very good condition. Provenance: Old Viennese private collection, collection no. 92, purchased from Zacke on 30th May 1994.