Description SHUYA: A WOOD NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN ON A TOADBy Shuya, signed Shuya 秋冶Japan, Echigo province, first half of 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Published:International Netsuke Society Journal (INSJ), 2001, vol. 21, no. 3, p. 29. (illustrated in a full-page advert by Sydney L. Moss Ltd.)Depicting Gama Sennin sleeping blissfully on the back of a massive toad, looking upwards, dressed in the typical mugwort cape and girdle. The toad with its head raised in an expression of irritated dismay, its body amusingly flattened, the eyes inlaid and ringed in metal, its masterfully carved warty skin contrasting with the smooth underside, the feet tucked neatly under its body. Himotoshi underneath, signed in boldly carved characters SHUYA - a pupil of the great Yasusada Shuzan. It is likely that Yasusada Shuzan originated this model, but Shuya's strongly individual flavour has improved upon his teacher's example.LENGTH 4.1 cmCondition: Very good condition, minor wear. Fine, smooth patina. Possibly some old, worn-down chips to the edges of the webbed feet.Provenance: Ex-collection Raymond and Frances Bushell. A French private collection. Purchased at Rosemary Bandini, 2012. Ex-collection Teddy Hahn, Darmstadt. Theodor "Teddy" Hahn (1933-2012) was a well-known and respected collector of netsuke and other Asian works of art. After spending time in museums to study the early cultures of the world, finding particular interest in their sculptures, he began collecting, remarking, "I somehow knew it would have a profound influence on my life. How right I was. And how happy I have been."The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (English 'Toad Immortal') is based on the legendary Chinese figure Liu Hai, who is generally shown accompanied by a toad. According to legend, he can assume the shape of a toad himself. Chinese prototypes of this theme sometimes represent the immortal sitting on or resting his foot on the animal and holding a string of gold coins.Frogs and toads are symbolic animals in Japanese culture. They are often portrayed in poetry and art and are sometimes carried by travelers to make sure they return home safely from their journeys. The word 'frog' in Japanese is synonymous with 'return,' which is why it is considered a lucky animal and which brings good fortune.Literature comparison:Compare a near identical netsuke of Gama Sennin on a toad by Yasusada Shuzan, circa 1820, illustrated in Rutherston and Bandini, The Sheila M. Baker collection of Japanese netsuke and inro, 2011, no. 5. Another closely related wood netsuke by Shuya, the face similarly carved, is illustrated in Lazarnick, George (1981) Netsuke & Inro Artists, and How to Read Their Signatures, vol. 2, p. 1013.