Gama sennin and his toad. Netsuké in marine ivory by Shogetsu

The netsuké represents the immortal Taoist Gama Sennin seated on a rock, his staff in his hand, at his feet his three-legged toad stretches affectionately towards him, trying to climb him. The artist sculpted his subject in a walrus tooth, the typical crystallization of dentin is visible under the base, in the center, the artist has partially hidden this crystallization by drilling multiple holes, simulating the defects of the rock, which are of the best effect. The eyes of the toad are inlaid with blond horn. The flat face, big smile and broad nose are typical of Gama Sennin, the immortal with mysterious powers. The sculpture is excellent, the finishes perfect, this is an excellent netsuké created by Shunkosai Shogetsu, one of the best artists of his time. He used walrus ivory for many of his most beautiful works. Many copies were made in ivory from the 19th century and today there are also some in resin. The Metropolitan houses an identical netské but of inferior quality.Curiously Shogetsu rarely signed his works while the copies almost always are.
Japan Edo period, 19th century.
Height: 46mm.
We respectfully salute Mr Akiyama whose erudition has enlightened us and thank him infinitely for having shared his knowledge.