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.