| DESCRIPTION: A rare 18th C. Japanese Ivory carving depicting Gama Sennin riding on the back of the magical three-legged toad, Chan Chu. The smiling Gamma Sennin caries a coin in his left hand and a gourd (an ancient Taoist symbol of longevity and good health) strapped to his back. The comical toad has bumpy skin, inlaid crossed eyes, and wears an amusing expressing. Inside his mouth is a free-moving ivory ball, not a simple carving feat! Very good condition for an 18th C. ivory piece; excellent period patina with one foot of the toad having been re-glued. DIMENSIONS: 3” high (7.5 cm).
CULTURAL BACKGROUND: The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (the Toad Immortal) is based upon the Chinese immortal Liu Hai, a fabled 10th-century alchemist who lured Chan Chu (the Three-legged Money Toad) from a well using a string of gold coins. Thus he learned the secret of immortality from the magical toad.
Price: $1,295 Stock #IVR166 |
