Lot 882 D‡α

An ivory manju. Late 19th century

Carved to the front with a woman dressed in a kimono, and to the reverse with Daruma seated, a wall breakthrough-like reserve behind him. Inscribed Hogyoku in fine light reddish engraving.

In contrast to traditional iconography, this depiction of Daruma does not so much emphasise his abstemious and sullen-looking character, but does show him smiling almost coquettishly instead. Tempted by the lady to the front to all-too-human desires he seems to use one of the two himotoshi as a peephole.
Diameter 4.5 cm