This portrait is typical of the many works brushed by Fūgai Ekun during his time living in a cave. He was visited by laypeople, such as farmers, who would leave him food in exchange for images of Daruma, which he left hanging at the entrance to his cave. In fact, many of Fūgai’s paintings, like this one, are in delicate and fragile condition after spending countless years hanging in dusty farmhouses.

—Bradley Bailey