Summary

Ivory carving (netsuke) of a group of frogs on a lily pad, signed Seimin, manufactured in Japan in the early Meiji period (1868-1880).

Netsuke were originally practical objects carved from ivory, wood, nuts, etc. From the 17th century, Japanese men used them as toggles to fasten cords attached to their obi (kimono sash). Though they continued to have this practical use, netsuke became prized objects for their craftsmanship; the carvings regularly referencing Japanese folklore and life.

Physical Description

Small oval lily pad, with seven frogs sitting around a leaf. The underside carved as a lily with a frog. At first glance, it appears that the ivory is very discoloured, however, upon closer inspection it is more likely that the ivory has been stained by the manufacturers to achieve different depths of colour.

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