Antique Japanese Ivory Netsuke
Frog
On River Rocks
Netsuke Signature: Ryoshu, 19th Century
Recorded artist in Netsuke, M.T. Hindson Collection by Neil K. Davey
H .75 in.(2cm.), W 1.25in.(3cm.), D 1.75in.(4.5cm.)

A very fine model of a tree frog on river rocks. The carved through shows the frog squating on four legs about to jump. There are several features setting this netsuke apart from other frog on lotus type carvings. One is the extraordinary realism, the carved through smooth bodied tree frog, contrasting with the textured river rock that strikes a balance of boldness and finesse. The netsuke is intuitively charming, and remarkable tactile for its purpose.

For its carving skill, design as well as its signature, this walrus ivory netsuke of a tree frog couching on river rocks is a rarity. Signed on the base in formal kenji, Ryoshu is a recorded netsuke artist in the M.T. Hindson Collection, yet netsuke bearing his name are few in Japan and abroard. On the basis of this netsuke alone, Ryoshu is a noteworthy first rank artist, whose quality work and rare output is an inexplicable mystery. It may be that he was one of the many carvers who changed his art name with some frequency.