MASANAO: A WOOD NETSUKE OF A CROUCHING TOADBy a member of the Masanao family, signed Masanao 正直Japan, Yamada, Ise Province, mid-19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)The wood finely stained, depicting a crouching toad with masterfully rendered skin achieved by large, raised warts against a minutely stippled ground. The eyes are inlays of dark horn. The underside shows the splendidly carved webbed feet and the signature MASANAO. The cord channel runs through the left foreleg.LENGTH 4.5 cmCondition: Excellent condition, only minor surface wear.Provenance: Collection Prof. Dr. Henk C. Hoogsteden, Rotterdam. Formerly in a French private collection, purchased from Galerie Yamato, Paris, 2003.