A RARE UMIMATSU NETSUKE OF A FROG ON A TREE TRUNK Unsigned Japan, Iwami province, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: Earle, Joe (2000) The Robert S. Huthart Collection of Iwami Netsuke, Vol. 2, p. 361, no. 337. Carved from a choice piece of umimatsu (sea-pine) with almost no inclusions, almost appearing like a smoothed down piece of ebony. A frog (kaeru) is seated, spread out across a tree trunk, camouflaged with his deep-black body against the log. The amphibian’s eyes appear to be inlaid, however are fossilized inclusions in the material, brilliantly utilized by the artist! The appealing himotoshi, found in the backside, are cleverly worked into the composition. HEIGHT 4.3 cm Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: Collection Robert S. Huthart.