A SUPERB IRON AND GOLD DISH WITH DARUMA Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) The iron dish stands on three feet and is decorated in the front with an amusing image of the Zen-patriarch Daruma (Bodhidharma). Daruma looks out from a grated window, the bars inlaid in gold and silver, and a wasp descends from a finely inlaid spiderweb and lands on Daruma's head. He has been woken from his meditation and pulls an amusing grimace. He is holding a hossu (Buddhist fly whisk) and is contemplating to swat the wasp - this comical indecision is masterfully executed in his distorted facial expression. Daruma's face is inlaid in sentoku and his robe is made from rich gold. Below the image are leafy vines inlaid in silver, gold and copper. The rim is fitted with a silver ring. DIAMETER 31 cm WEIGHT 1546 grams Condition: Excellent condition with associated wear. The iron has developed a fine rust patina. Provenance: British collection.