Netsuke, Kintarō as Daruma, Japan

Netsuke
Kintarō as Daruma
Japan
Around 1900
3.5 cm x 3.5 cm
Signed "Ryoun

A rather confused-looking structure at first glance, in an almost manga-like style, composed of a figure in a robe, the head of an oni, a large double axe, a cat, and a fish, turns out to be a representation of the youthful hero Kintarō, who is inexplicably depicted here, however, in the guise of the Zen patriarch Daruma (Bodhidharma) (in 19th-century Japanese folk culture, however, there are manifold strange representations of Daruma).
Kintarō was a tenth-century orphan who had been raised by the mountain witch Yama-Uba, befriended forest animals, and fought battles with mythical creatures such as Onis or Tengu. He was dressed in a red apron with Kin ( 金 , gold) written on it and carried a huge double axe. Kintarō continues to play a significant role in Japanese youth culture today.
The comic-like depiction and choice of motif suggest a work for a youthful client, in any case this is not an export piece for Western collectors. A netsuke of Ryoun depicting a child with a large monster mask is in the collection of the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art under number 1985.028.050.