A Japanese folk craft Itto-bori Daruma (達磨一刀彫), a hand-carved wooden figure of Daruma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. Crafted in the Itto-bori (一刀彫) style—literally meaning "one-knife carving"—this piece showcases sharp, angular cuts and bold expressions, achieved through the use of a single carving knife. The result is a raw yet powerful aesthetic, emphasizing the intensity and spiritual endurance of the Daruma figure.
This particular Daruma has a strikingly expressive face with exaggerated eyebrows and mustache, carefully chiseled to convey strength and resilience. The wood grain and natural finish add warmth and texture, enhancing its folk charm. The hollowed eyes are traditional, typically meant to be filled in by the owner upon setting and fulfilling a personal goal.
Pieces like this are often associated with regions such as Nara or Takayama, where Itto-bori is a well-known carving tradition. A beautiful example of traditional craftsmanship, this Daruma would make a meaningful decorative item or a collectible symbol of perseverance and good fortune.
