Vintage Daruma kokeshi by Shuichi Umeki

The Artisan: Shuichi Umeki (梅木修一)
Shuichi Umeki (born 1929) is a highly respected Japanese craftsman based in Yamagata City, Japan.
He is primarily famous as a master artisan of Traditional Kokeshi Dolls, specifically belonging to the Zao Takayu (蔵王高湯) style lineage.
While Kokeshi dolls typically represent young girls, skilled masters like Umeki often apply their lathe-turning (wood-turning) and hand-painting expertise to create other classic folk toys—such as this wooden Daruma doll.
2. The Subject: Daruma (達磨)
The face painted on the upper section depicts Bodhidharma, the 5th/6th-century monk who founded Zen Buddhism.
The Look: He is traditionally depicted with a fierce, intensely focused expression, bushy eyebrows, and a heavy beard. This look represents intense concentration and the inner strength required to overcome obstacles.
The Meaning: In Japan, Daruma dolls are ultimate symbols of perseverance, good luck, and resilience. A common Japanese proverb associated with them is "Nanamarobi yaoki" (Fall seven times, stand up eight).
3. The Inscription
The bold calligraphy painted vertically down the front of the body reads:

瑞厳寺 (Zuigan-ji)

Zuigan-ji is a very famous, historic Zen Buddhist temple located in Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture, Northern Japan). It was originally founded in the year 828 and was later rebuilt by the famous samurai warlord Date Masamune in 1609.

Height: 10,5cm
Weight: 260g

Please look carefully at the pictures to determine the condition of the item.