Details
Property from a Private East Coast Collection

A CARVED WOOD NETSUKE OF TOADS
SIGNED MASANAO, EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY)
Carved as a small toad on top of a large toad, the surface finished to resemble the toad's rugged skin, signature on underside
1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) long

Provenance:
Acquired in Japan in the 1960s
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Lot Essay

In Asia, the toad is considered an auspicious animal and often depicted in Japanese art. It was also believed that the toad has a mysterious power as they repeal from an attacker by their own venom.

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