A POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN
Ivory netsukeJapan18th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The sennin with the toad, or gama, is one of the most popular depictions of immortals. One version of the fable tells of the sennin nursing an ill toad, who revealed himself as a very knowledgeable demon and let him in on a number of magical secrets. In this netsuke, the sennin is carrying the toad on his shoulder with one hand. The toad’s head is befitting of a supernatural creature. The sennin is wearing a leaf girdle with a hyotan, or bottle gourd, containing the elixir of life, and has a large head with a powerful expression. Himotoshi and honey patina on the back.HEIGHT 7.5 CMCondition: Good, age-related condition with several age cracks. An old chip to one of the feet has been smoothed out. Beautiful patina, with deep honey-brown patina on the back.Provenance: German private collection