Japan. Edo period. 18th c. Juvenile Sennin Gama, gleefully laughing at the small toad confidently seated on his right hand on his lap, head raised inquisitively. The Sennin, wearing a belted robe with double collar of dense leaves, wide sleeves billowing, his right leg drawn up at an angle. Ivory, lively and fine carving, polished and finely engraved with detailed darker accents. Both eyes inlaid in dark horn. Beautiful glossy, in parts golden-yellow or brownish patina from use. Signed on a rectangular reserve: Tomotada. The famous carver from the Ky?to School, active between 1750-1800, listed in the Soken Kisho. This netsuke, illustrated in MCI p. 912, belongs to the small group of human or divine figures by the artist who is famous for his animal carvings. H.4.4cm, W.4.5cm. Condition A.
Please note that objects made of ivory, rhinoceros horn and turtle shell, due to Cites regulations can only be sold within the European Community. At present the export in third countries is prohibited.