Unsigned Japan, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Carved from a choice piece of shimmering mother-of-pearl with little inclusions, finely polished, and depicting a smiling frog (kaeru). Large, asymmetrical himotoshi through the underside. Mother-of-pearl katabori netsuke of this quality are extremely rare.
LENGTH 4.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: French private collection.
Auction comparison: Another mother-of-pearl netsuke of similar quality was sold at Zacke, Fine Netsuke, Sagemono & Okimono, 2 November 2019, Vienna, lot 86.