A boxwood netsuke depicting a toad poised in balance atop a wooden container, identifiable as an overturned well bucket. The bucket, a common everyday object in traditional Japanese life, was used to draw water and, once no longer needed, was often left outdoors. Over time, exposed to the elements, it became a damp and sheltered refuge, ideal for small animals. This iconographic combination evokes the wabi-sabi sensibility, which values the beauty of imperfection, simplicity, and the passage of time, celebrating objects shaped by use and nature. The carving is of excellent quality, with great attention given to the rendering of the wood grain and the texture of the toad’s skin, as well as to the natural and well-balanced posture of the figure. Signed Masanao. Netsuke, composed of the kanji ne (根), meaning "root," and tsuke (付け), meaning "to attach," are small Japanese sculptures originally used as fasteners to secure objects to the sashes of kimono (obi 帯). From the late 19th century they became highly collectible in Europe and America, admired for the variety of subjects, the fine details, the patina and their strong tactile appeal. The netsuke is in very good condition. Please refer to the pictures for further details. The item will be carefully packed and shipped via DHL or FedEx, accompanied by the original certificate of authenticity issued by Mastromauro Japanese art gallery based in Milan, Italy. 291