SIGNED TOYOMASA (NAITO TOYOMASA; 1773-1856), EDO PERIOD (18TH - 19TH CENTURY), A carved wood netsuke of a Gama Sennin

A carved wood netsuke of a Gama Sennin
Signed Toyomasa (Naito Toyomasa; 1773-1856), Edo period (18th - 19th century)
Finely carved and partially stained with ink as a seated immortal (Gamma Sennin) holding a toad over his head, the eyes inlaid in brown horn, signature on underside of right arm
2 ¼ in. (5.7 cm.) high

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Inc

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Liu Haichuan (Gama Sennin), who lived during the turmoil of the Five Dynasties period. He left behind his riches and post at court to become a hermit, known as Master Sea Toad. He is famous as a master of Inner Alchemy and is sometimes included in the Eight Immortals. A three-legged toad is one of his standard iconographic elements.