Artwork
Daruma
Daruma is an unspecified painting by Fūgai Ekun. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The work presents a solitary male figure, rendered from the shoulders up, against a muted background that accentuates the darker tones of the subject’s visage.
Created around 1650 by the Japanese artist Fūgai Ekun, the painting titled Daruma is part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s collection. The work presents a solitary male figure, rendered from the shoulders up, against a muted background that accentuates the darker tones of the subject’s visage. The composition centers on the man’s face, drawing the viewer’s attention to his expressive features.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait portrays a man with a long white beard and thick dark eyebrows, his expression solemn and contemplative. A piece of calligraphic text appears within the image, suggesting a connection to literary or philosophical themes common in Edo‑period portraiture. The combination of facial features and script invites speculation about the sitter’s identity or the moral message the artist intended to convey.
Technique & Style
Ekun employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, juxtaposing deep shadows with lighter areas to model the figure’s form and create a sense of three‑dimensionality. The stark contrast between the dark tones of the beard and eyebrows and the pale background enhances the visual impact, while the brushwork remains restrained, emphasizing the seriousness of the subject rather than decorative flourish.
History & Provenance
Dating to the mid‑17th century, Daruma has been documented as part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s holdings. The painting’s provenance before its acquisition by the museum is not extensively recorded, but its attribution to Fūgai Ekun aligns it with a body of work produced during the early Edo period, reflecting the artistic conventions of that era.
Artist & collection
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