Handcrafted Daruma by Dean Marino: Unique, Resilient, Inspiring

Burnt wood table sculpture with yakisugi technique and wabi-sabi philosophy by sculptor Dean Marino.

Title: "Daruma"

Artist: Dean Marino
Year: 2024
Material: wood
Technique: Yakisugi
Wabi-sabi philosophy
Measures approximately 37hx25x25 cm (14.5Hx10x10 INCHES)
Single piece
Certificate of authenticity included
Handsigned

The images are an example.

You will receive a sculpture similar in shape, size and color but it will be a unique piece carved just for you.
The unique and unrepeatable grains and the workmanship carried out by hand by the sculptor Dean Marino guarantee that you own a unique object, with a certificate of authenticity included and signed by hand.
I need 7 days to create it and deliver it to the courier.

I am Dean Marino, an Italian sculptor, and I am proud to present my unique collection of Daruma, sculpted from the precious cedar of Lebanon. These sculptures are not mere decorative objects; they embody a deep connection with Japanese tradition and aesthetic philosophy.

I use the cedar of Lebanon for my sculptures, a wood known for its durability and natural beauty. This precious wood, with its unique grain and distinctive fragrance, adds a tactile and olfactory dimension to my works.

I adopt the Japanese technique of yakisugi (or shou sugi ban), an ancient method of wood charring. This process not only protects the wood, making it more resistant to the elements, but also imparts a dark, textured surface that enhances the natural characteristics of the cedar. The charred finish creates a visual contrast between the depth of the carbonized black and the light reflecting off the sculpted surfaces, adding a sense of mystery and history to each Daruma.

The philosophy of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence, is at the heart of my work. Each Daruma shows signs of its handcrafted process, small irregularities and imperfections that make each piece unique. These marks are not flaws but expressions of the intrinsic beauty of the material and the creative process. They represent the transience of life and the simplicity found in the natural imperfection of the world.

Japanese Daruma are symbols of perseverance and good fortune, inspired by the figure of the monk Bodhidharma. Traditionally, Daruma are painted without eyes, allowing the owner to paint the first eye when setting a goal and the second eye once it is achieved. This ritual represents determination and the ability to overcome adversity.

My Daruma maintain this symbolism but reinterpret it through the lens of my artistic and cultural experiences. The robustness of the cedar of Lebanon and the yakisugi technique symbolize resilience and protection, while the wabi-sabi aesthetic invites one to find beauty and value in the journey and transformation, rather than just the final outcome. Each Daruma I sculpt is a talisman of inner strength and perseverance, an invitation to find balance and beauty in the natural cycle of life.

Purchasing a Daruma made by me means owning a unique piece, handcrafted with attention to detail and a love for art. Each sculpture is one-of-a-kind, an artwork that tells a personal story.

My Daruma are not just objects of beauty but carry deep symbolic value. They represent perseverance, inner strength, and the beauty of imperfection, offering owners a constant reminder of these values in their daily lives.

The clean and minimalist aspect adds a touch of elegance and history to any environment. Whether displayed in homes, offices, or public spaces, the cedar Daruma become focal points that draw attention and stimulate reflection.

With these Daruma, clients connect not only with Italian art but also with ancient Japanese traditions. This cultural fusion enriches the experience of owning a piece of art, making each Daruma a bridge between two worlds.

In summary, my Daruma are a fusion of tradition and innovation, natural materials and ancient techniques, Eastern philosophy, and Western sensibility. They are more than mere sculptures; they are stories carved in wood, symbols of a personal and universal journey towards realization and beauty.