NETSUKE: FROG; CLIMBING A PUMPKIN STEM.
Japan. Edo Period. Matsuda Sukenaga; active ca. 1810-50.

Boxwood; finely carved and engraved. The upper side darkly stained; the eyes inlayed with black horn and accentuated with a red shimmer. Typical work of Sukenaga. This model; especially the details of the completion as well as the subtle coloration; suggests a single-handed work of the founder of the Hida-school. L.4;3cm. Sign.: Sukenaga; partly scratched out; cf. MCI p. 822; born in Takayama; also lived in Gifu; where Tomokazu was active. Condition A/B.

Art trade; Van Ham.