In
its subject, composition and treatment, this double amber inlaid ivory demonstrates
the essential esthetics and latitude of the art of netsuke. The work seems to
be a satire on romance with the two knobby creatures beginning to touch, as the
webbed foot of the larger toad imposes on the foot of the smaller, presumably
female toad. Toads have been known to attempt to consume other toads of similar
size, so one can not be entirely certain of the intentions of either animal. This
ambiguity sharpens the element of humor, which is not without a philosophical
bent. It is an earthy humor in any case, which is amplified by the artist’s precision
in reproducing the rough and warty skins of the “couple”. Their expressions and
body language add to the characterization and present themselves for further speculation.
This
netsuke bears a scripted signature translated as Daisu. The artist may be identified
as Fujiwara Daisu Ogura; or a netsukeshi of the Daisu school. He is known for
his original designs in the late Edo period, and for his work in ivory kagamibuta
and animal subject.
