JOUN: A SUPERB BRONZE PORTRAIT OKIMONO OF DARUMA By Kitamura Joun (active c 1926-1968), signed Joun saku Japan, c. 1930 The Zen patriarch standing, his hands folded at the chest shrouded in the sleeves of his long flowing robe billowing around him, only one superbly crafted finger showing, the voluminous folds elegantly and deeply carved, his chest hair subtly incised, his face with a meditative expression, the silver eyes with dark pupils pointing upward, the earrings of gilt metal, his feet wearing sandals with floral straps, the toes neatly detailed. Signed to the back JOUN saku [made by Joun]. HEIGHT 40.3 cm WEIGHT 4,673 g Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear. Kitamura Joun exhibited his work at the 15th Nihon Dento Kogei-ten exhibition (Japan Traditional Arts Crafts Exhibition) in 1968 (Showa 43). This artist is not to be confused with Oshima Joun (1858-1940), who used a different character for Jo. Daruma (Bodhidharma) was an Indian monk who lived during the 5th or 6th century, credited with bringing Buddhism to China. His teachings centered around meditation, as do many of the legends surrounding him. One details how when he fell asleep seven years into his nine years of wall gazing, he became so angry with himself that he cut off his eyelids so he might never sleep again. Where his eyelids hit the floor, the first tea plants grew, providing stimulants to help keep his students awake. 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer`s premium – only for buyers within the EU.