Antique Japanese Carved Bamboo Root Sculpture – Depicting Daruma (Bodhidharma) – 20" Tall LS#079

A powerful and expressive antique Japanese bamboo root carving (nemagari takeboku sōzō), representing Daruma (Bodhidharma), the semi-legendary Indian monk credited with founding Zen Buddhism in Japan.

Carved from a naturally curved section of bamboo root, the figure’s intense expression and fierce gaze emerge from the organic form of the wood, the carver skillfully using the root’s natural twists and fibers to evoke Daruma’s wild beard and ascetic features. The figure’s eyes, furrowed brow, and meditative stance capture the Zen ideal of perseverance and awakening—Daruma famously meditated for nine years facing a wall.

Such bamboo root carvings became popular in the Edo to Meiji periods as devotional or decorative pieces, often placed in temples or scholar’s studies. Each was hand-carved from a single root, making every example unique.

• Subject: Daruma (Bodhidharma)

• Material: Carved bamboo root

• Origin: Japan

• Period: Edo to Meiji era (circa mid–19th century)

• Dimensions: Approx. 20" high × 7.5" diameter (51 × 19 cm)

• Condition: Good antique condition with natural age cracks and surface wear consistent with material and age. Rich patina throughout.

A dynamic example of Japanese folk carving, celebrating the spiritual endurance and humor of Zen art.