Antique Japanese Carved Wood Daruma Bodhidharma Wall Plaque Sign Meiji Taisho

This is a large antique Japanese carved wooden plaque depicting Daruma, or Bodhidharma, the legendary Buddhist monk traditionally regarded as the founder of Zen Buddhism.

The piece was deeply carved from a substantial block of wood and finished in dark brown, black, and red tones. The strongly modeled face features large expressive eyes, heavy eyebrows, a beard, prominent ears, and vivid red lips, giving the Daruma an unusually powerful and humorous expression.

Based on the carving style, construction, surface patina, and extensive natural wear, this piece likely dates from around the late Meiji, Taisho, or early Showa period, approximately the late 19th to early 20th century.

The carving is quite three-dimensional. The nose, eyebrows, beard, ears, and other facial features project considerably from the main wooden panel, producing strong shadows and giving the piece a sculptural presence when displayed on a wall.

The reverse remains largely unfinished and clearly shows old hand-tool and carving marks. This contrast between the highly finished front and rougher reverse is characteristic of an object intended primarily to be viewed from the front. Metal fittings and cords are attached for hanging.

Because of its large size and substantial weight of approximately 3.4 kg, it has a much stronger presence than an ordinary decorative mask. It may originally have been used as a shop decoration, sign, temple-related ornament, or other traditional display piece, although its original setting is unknown.

The surface shows extensive age-related wear, scratches, fading, rubbing, paint and finish loss, small chips, old holes, and irregularities. These signs of use contribute greatly to its antique character. Please examine the photographs carefully, especially the edges, back, and projecting carved areas.

Size:
Approx. 43 × 46 cm / 16.93 × 18.11 in

Thickness:
Approx. 5–8 cm / 1.97–3.15 in
The thickness varies because of the deeply carved nose and other projecting details.

Weight:
Approx. 3,400 g / 7.50 lbs

A striking piece of Japanese folk Buddhist art with a strong sculptural presence, suitable for display as wall art or as part of a collection of Japanese antiques, Buddhist art, or mingei.