(Karako squatting) c. 20th century

This small sculpture, titled (Karako squatting), was carved by Gyokuzan sometime between 1737 and 1812. Here we have a wooden figure, a little over an inch tall, of a child in a squatting position. I imagine Gyokuzan carefully choosing a piece of boxwood, considering its grain and texture. The wood’s light brown tone gives the figure a warmth, emphasizing the child’s soft, rounded form. I wonder what Gyokuzan was thinking as he carved? Did he have children of his own? Notice the child's face. The eyes are closed, and the mouth slightly open. It's a face of pure contentment. The smooth, polished surface of the wood invites you to touch it. What a feat to turn such a hard material into something so soft and full of life. And so small! I'm sure Gyokuzan’s work, in turn, inspired other artists across time, each building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before.