Yamada, Ise province, circa 1850-1880
 
Naturalistically carved, the large toad resting its rotund stomach on its front feet while sitting on its haunches, its young clambering on top of its back. The skin is finely rendered with raised, warty skin which smoothens along the belly showing the superb grain of the wood, the eyes inlaid with lustrous dark horn, signed at the bottom.
 
H. 3.6 cm
 
Provenance:
Collection Van der Ploeg, Rotterdam
Amsterdam antiques trade, purchased in 2015
Private collection, the Netherlands
 
As toads, gamma, are usually a symbol for wisdom and transformation in Japan, the relationship between adult toads and young toads can symbolize the mentorship and guidance provided by elders to the younger generation. This interaction highlights the role of experience and wisdom in nurturing and developing potential. Something so often seen in Japanse professions, where it might take an apprentice years or even decades to become a master.