OVERVIEW

Ittobori Daruma by Shotaro Saito (Saito Shotaro) - Hand-Carved Wooden Daruma Figure, 8cm, Signed

A small but striking hand-carved Daruma figure in the ittobori (single-blade carving) style by Japanese woodcarver Shotaro Saito. The piece features a faceted, octagonal wooden form left with bold, visible chisel marks, topped with a hand-painted Daruma face with a fierce, expressive brow. The lower portion is finished in red and gold lacquer-style paint with a traditional auspicious pattern. The artist's signature is inscribed on the underside of the base.

CULTURAL CONTEXT

Ittobori, meaning "single-knife carving," is a traditional Japanese woodcarving technique known for its bold, angular facets and visible tool marks, historically associated with folk craft centers such as Nara. Daruma figures represent Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, and are one of Japan's most recognizable good-luck symbols, traditionally given as gifts for perseverance and goal-setting. Combining the ittobori technique with the Daruma motif places this piece within the mingei (folk craft) tradition, where functional and decorative objects are valued for the visible hand of the maker. Signed ittobori works by named carvers like Shotaro Saito are of particular interest to collectors of Japanese folk art and wood carving, as well as those who collect Daruma figures specifically.

CONTENTS

- Ittobori Daruma figure, hand-carved and hand-painted

CONDITION

Vintage item with minor age-appropriate surface rubbing and small nicks consistent with its age. Please review all photos closely for a full visual condition assessment.

SPECIFICATIONS

- Artist: Shotaro Saito (Saito Shotaro)

- Technique: Ittobori (single-knife carving)

- Motif: Daruma

- Height: approx. 8cm

- Signature: Artist signature inscribed on base underside

- Origin: Japan

SEO KEYWORDS

Shotaro Saito, Saito Shotaro, ittobori daruma, ittobori carving, hand carved daruma, Japanese folk art wood, mingei wood carving, vintage daruma figure, Japanese good luck charm, Nara ittobori, signed wood carving Japan, rare vintage daruma

Shipping from JAPAN with Tracking Number

& Insurance.

We usually ship out your order within

3-5 working days after receiving your payment.

International Buyers - Please Note:Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.

These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.