A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-1
A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-2
A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-3
A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-4
A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-1A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-2A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-3A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century - image-4

Lot 497 Dα

A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century

Auction 1226 - overview Cologne
21.06.2023, 10:30 - Asian Art
Estimate: 2.800 € - 3.400 €
Result: 4.788 € (incl. premium)
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A large boxwood okimono-type netsuke of a toad on a straw sandal. Ise, late 19th century

Seated on the large waraji (straw sandal), its body turned slightly to the right, the thongs of the old sandal forming the himotôshi. The eye pupils of black horn. Signed Masanao with kaô in a rectangular reserve.
Height 3.4 cm; length 7.6 cm

The Japanese word kaeru (Jap.: toad) is a homonym of the verb "to return home". Accordingly, the motif became the talisman of many travelers. One reason for the numerous executions of this subject by carvers from Ise might be the large number of pilgrims visiting the Jingu-shrine securing their safe journey back by a piece like this.

Provenance

Private collection, Düsseldorf