A wood netsuke by Toyomasa

Signed Toyomasa (Tamba), Edo Period (lived 1776 - 1856)
Width: 1 1/2 in. (4cm.)

A wood netsuke of a kappa breaking out from from a closed clam (hamagushi). The eyes of the mythical animal are inlaid with light and dark horn.

Kappa are mythical amphibian animals, living in the rivers of Kyushu. They are know to have a particular appetite for young ladies. The clam often has erotic connotation, and in this particular example, one can therefore easily interpret the subject of this netsuke.

Condition: excellent

Ref. 683633

Price on Request