"Toad on a Lotus-Seed Mortar" – Boxwood Netsuke - Boxwood - Japan - 1900-2000
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 140562 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Item Description
A finely hand-carved Japanese netsuke crafted from boxwood (tsuge / Buxus microphylla), depicting a toad perched on the rim of a small mortar-shaped vessel. The vessel's surface is intricately textured to resemble the pitted seed-pod of a lotus (hasu), and one of the toad's hind legs trails down to rest upon a separately carved lotus seed pod that forms part of the base.
The toad itself is rendered with wonderful naturalism — its warty, pockmarked skin is achieved through countless small hand-drilled pits, while inset dark eyes give the creature a lifelike, watchful gaze. The underside is carved with a traditional signature and pierced with the paired himotoshi cord-holes typical of genuine netsuke, confirming this is a functional cord-toggle rather than a purely decorative carving.
This piece exemplifies the Japanese tradition of netsuke — small sculptural toggles originally used to secure a hanging container (inro or tobacco pouch) to the sash of a kimono, since kimono lacked pockets. Over time these miniature carvings became prized as standalone works of art, valued for their wit, craftsmanship, and the tactile beauty of well-worn wood. The frog motif is a popular auspicious subject in Japanese folk art, associated with good fortune and safe return (a pun on the word "kaeru," meaning both "frog" and "to return").
A charming, one-of-a-kind piece for collectors of Japanese carvings, netsuke, or nature-themed miniature sculpture.
Size
Height: 4.5 cm
Width: 3 cm
Depth: 3.5 cm
Weight
13 g / 0.013 kg
Condition
The netsuke is in good overall condition consistent with age and handling, with minor surface wear and no significant losses; please refer to the photographs for full visual detail.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Item Description
A finely hand-carved Japanese netsuke crafted from boxwood (tsuge / Buxus microphylla), depicting a toad perched on the rim of a small mortar-shaped vessel. The vessel's surface is intricately textured to resemble the pitted seed-pod of a lotus (hasu), and one of the toad's hind legs trails down to rest upon a separately carved lotus seed pod that forms part of the base.
The toad itself is rendered with wonderful naturalism — its warty, pockmarked skin is achieved through countless small hand-drilled pits, while inset dark eyes give the creature a lifelike, watchful gaze. The underside is carved with a traditional signature and pierced with the paired himotoshi cord-holes typical of genuine netsuke, confirming this is a functional cord-toggle rather than a purely decorative carving.
This piece exemplifies the Japanese tradition of netsuke — small sculptural toggles originally used to secure a hanging container (inro or tobacco pouch) to the sash of a kimono, since kimono lacked pockets. Over time these miniature carvings became prized as standalone works of art, valued for their wit, craftsmanship, and the tactile beauty of well-worn wood. The frog motif is a popular auspicious subject in Japanese folk art, associated with good fortune and safe return (a pun on the word "kaeru," meaning both "frog" and "to return").
A charming, one-of-a-kind piece for collectors of Japanese carvings, netsuke, or nature-themed miniature sculpture.
Size
Height: 4.5 cm
Width: 3 cm
Depth: 3.5 cm
Weight
13 g / 0.013 kg
Condition
The netsuke is in good overall condition consistent with age and handling, with minor surface wear and no significant losses; please refer to the photographs for full visual detail.
NOITICE:
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation.
It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping.
I appreciate your cooperation.
Details
Dynastic Style/Period
1900-2000
Country of Origin
Japan
Material
Boxwood
Height
4.5 cm
Width
3 cm
Title of artwork
"Toad on a Lotus-Seed Mortar" – Boxwood Netsuke
Depth
3.5 cm
Condition
Good condition
Authenticity
Original/official
