Hopefully someone knows a little about Daruma? This piece is unsigned and stands about 60mm tall, and bears a lot of similarities to the work of Sukenaga/Sukesada from Hido province, mid 19c. I have seen one indicating a student of Sukesada, but that was signed also... I know this is ittobori (one cut) daruma (doll, not netsuke button or toggle) matsu (pine). The two-toned effect was supposed to contribute to the humor of the piece. There is nice age and a very finely textured surface I tried to capture, like it has been polished with a wire brush. I haven't mastered the art of inserting images on this site - They show up fine in my composer here, but only as attachments in preview. Sorry for any inconvenience. Sukenaga netsuke http://www.antiquenetsuke.co.uk/?page_id=24&page=26 Sukesada netsuke http://www.ebay.ca/itm/SUKESADA-19t...3650156?pt=Asian_Antiques&hash=item43c721316c
Strangely, that's something I did know. You have to sort of trip over the 'u' rather than pronouncing it. I like Sukesada pieces better. I think it has to do with the angle of the eyes, which seems strangely canted in yours. Also yours is more stylized and gives less of the impression of a shrouded figure. Not to say it isn't a nifty bit of carving.
My Japanese friends' names, Atsuko and Atsumi are pronounced same: ATS-ko and ATS-mi so I get it now... I like them both - they look very intensely disgusted - imagine waking up without arms and legs for praying a little too hard - not a very funny joke Some are yawning - waking up, blissfully ignorant of what's to come?
