Deeply
carved with beautiful scrimshaw in a detailed Chinese robe.
This spirited ivory carving depicts Bodhidharma, the chief
of the Six Patriarchs of Buddhism. Though worshipped in China,
the Bodhidharma's facial features reveal his non-Chinese origin.
In fact, the blue eyed Brahmin was an Indian Buddhist missionary
of royal decent, who arrived China in A.D. 526. His name in
Chinese is Da Mo (Greater than Evil). He is also regarded
as the founder of Zen Buddhism in Japan, where he is known
as Daruma, the God of Fortune. He teaches that perfection
must be sought inward through meditation rather than outward
observances.
Carved
from a mammoth tusk and standing at 6.5 inches tall, this
statue of Bodhidharma has a beautiful cream white patina with
a even shine, and appears to be 50 years of age. There is
a tiny chip on the base but with no other damage, it is in
very good condition.
