This Daruma itself measures approx 4.5 cm high. 

From the design and the type of wood that was used, it is the wooden craft known as the Itto-Bori carving (single blade carving) of Takayama, in Gifu Prefecture of Japan.

The type of wood used especially for the Takayama Itto-bori is called the Ichii wood which is literally translated as "the #1" in Japanese.

Ichii is a type of Japanese Yew that grows in the mountainous region of Takayama Japan. The legend has it that when a craftsman of Takayama carved a special wooden scepter for an Emperor about 800 years ago, the emperor was very impressed with the quality of workmanship and the beautiful wood. Since the wood was used for the person of the highest position in Japan, people named this particular wood as the "Ichii âe"the #1 wood." Because Takayama wooden pieces are left natural without any finish, over a period of time, the natural light yellow color darkens and acquires a dark amber patina like this piece. Ichii grows only in areas higher than 3,000 feet above sea level and it is an ideal wood for carving due to its extremely beautiful grain and the uniform hardness of the grain throughout the wood. The pleasure of Takayama Itto-bori piece is many folds: warm organic feels of the wood in hand, the remarkable grain pattern, the rich amber patina that only time can produce, and the wonderful craftsmanship.