Japanese bamboo brush pot on three feet carved in sunken relief with the head of Zen patriarch Daruma, also known as Bodhidharma, holding a fly-whisk. Fly-whisks were carried by Buddhist priests to wave away flies which, according to Buddhist tenets, they could not kill. The fly-whisk is also a symbol of leadership. Early 20th century. 6 1/2" high x 4 7/8” diameter. Very good overall condition with typical wear from use. There are some small separations in the bamboo. From the estate of a Daruma collector in Phoenix, Arizona.