Netsuke in the form of a boy rolling a yuki daruma, or snowman
A Daruma doll (達磨) is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. They are traditionally red and depicting a bearded man (Bodhidharma), however they can differ greatly in color and design depending on the region and artist. Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement.
This depiction of a Daruma doll shows a recognisable childhood past time of making a snowman. The Japanese equivalent of a snowman is a yukidaruma (雪だるま), literally snow daruma.
Details
-
Title
Netsuke in the form of a boy rolling a yuki daruma, or snowman
-
Artist/maker
Masahiro (active mid-19th century) (carver) -
Associated place
Japan (place of creation) -
Date
mid-19th century
Meiji Period (1868 - 1912) -
Material and technique
ivory, with carved decoration
-
Material index
-
Technique index
-
Object type
-
Dimensions
2.8 x 4.4 x 2.3 cm (height x width x depth) -
No. of items
1
-
Credit line
Presented by Sir Herbert Ingram, 1956.
-
Museum location
Museum department
Eastern Art
Accession no.
EA1956.1738
Our online collection is being continually updated. Find out more
Know more about this object? Spotted an error? Contact us
Glossary of terms
netsuke
Reference URL
