Gamma Sennin is one of the Taoist immortals of good fortune and immortality: Gamma means toad and sennin means immortal. Gama is a benign sage with deep alchemical knowledge about pills, herbs and elixirs. He can assume the shape of a toad and of course soften his skin and revert to a youthful form at anytime.

This ivory netsuke shows a youthful depiction of Gamma Sennin lying on his belly with a toad on his back. The toad is quite glorious: With his scaly back, and smooth full belly he drapes luxuriantly over the immortal. Gamma’s kimono is rich with details on the hems and sash and is replete with a subtle floral pattern. Leaves fall from his sash representative of his transparency with nature and his knowledge of medicinal herbs. Gamma reads an open book, signifying his knowledge and wisdom. The book’s pages display loosely rendered characters. The expression on the immortals face is one of pure unbridled mirth.

The artist’s signature Gyokutei is carved onto the cover of the book. A 19th century netsukeshi recorded in "Netsuke" by Neil Davey #454. (SD)