Daruma Big Fish (and girl)

Artist's notes on style, materials and inspiration:

Wherever I've lived I have tried to have a fish pond in my garden; and in the places where there wasn't a garden I had a goldfish bowl from time to time. In my current garden I have dug two ponds, both with fish in (and lots of frogs!), who I feed from April until November, before they spend some time 'parked' at the bottom over winter.

The goldfish we know today were said to have originated in the wild in southern China over 2000 years ago. They were highly prized by the wealthy after their introduction to Japan in 1502, but by the 1800's they were a popular pet for all and part of a summer time game called 'goldfish scooping' found at local summer festivals.

There are over 200 different types of goldfish today, with many fancy ones.

This little wood girl sits snugly inside her chunky goldfish (which looks very grumpy indeed and appears to have whiskers!), and the two pieces can stand side by side if desired.

My pieces are painted in a naïve and simple style, with visible brush strokes and differing paint consistencies. It is important to note that these dolls are made from real wood which will have naturally occurring markings and grain, and sometimes there will be small amount of bleeding along the grain, or knots, which is to be expected when using untreated wood - please make sure you consult the pictures carefully before purchasing. Finished in a top coat of matt acrylic.

Round turned wood shapes are altered and hand painted by me, a British artist, exploring patterns and scenes encountered by me on my travels and in daily life.

Total 13cm high with girl inside.

Please note: THIS IS NOT A TOY and should be kept out of the reach of children.

US CUSTOMERS: Items going to the US are currently all shipped individually to prevent delays at customs, therefore cannot be grouped together for shipping.