A vintage Japanese carved walnut daruma, a small and intricately crafted traditional art piece. It is uniquely carved from a walnut shell, enclosing a hand-painted depiction of Daruma, the iconic representation of Bodhidharma—the monk credited with founding Zen Buddhism. The face of Daruma is detailed with expressive eyes and a white beard, symbolizing perseverance and resilience, qualities deeply associated with Daruma dolls in Japanese culture. The natural walnut shell adds a rustic, organic texture to the piece, giving it a warm, earthy aesthetic while protecting the miniature figure within.
This handcrafted netsuke embodies both functional utility and artistic expression, making it a fascinating collectible that bridges Japanese tradition and folk craftsmanship.
