Beschreibung:

Lot details By Sukenobu, signed Sukenobu (Ryosho) Japan, Takayama, Hida province, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912) Intricately and realistically carved as a toad attempting to fend off a snake which has encircled it threateningly, one of the toad’s eyes squinting under the pressure of the snake’s tail wrapped around its head, the serpent with the mouth wide open and split tongue stretched out, the scales neatly rendered, the toad detailed with masterful ukibori, both animals’ eyes double-inlaid with dark and translucent horn, the toad’s underbelly signed SUKENOBU within a rectangular reserve. LENGTH 17 cm Condition: Good condition with minor wear, few minor age cracks, occasional light scratches. Some repairs including one to the neck of the snake near the head. With an associated black and gold-lacquered wood stand supported on four feet and decorated with butterflies as well as floral and foliate designs, dating from the same period. The present okimono alludes to the story of Jiraiya (lit. ‘Young Thunder’), the toad-riding protagonist of the Japanese folk tale Katakiuchi Kidan Jiraiya Monogatari. The tale was originally a Yomihon that was published in 1806-1807 and was adapted into a serialized novel that was written by different authors and published in 43 installments from 1839 to 1868; one of its illustrators was woodblock artist Kunisada. Jiraiya was a ninja who used shape-shifting magic to transform into a giant toad. His arch nemesis is Yasagoro, a master of serpent magic. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related wood okimono signed Sukekazu, also dated Meiji period, late 19th century, 14.5 cm wide, at Christie’s, 5 December 2017, London, lot 20 (sold for 10,625 GBP). Compare a related wood okimono of a snake and skull by Sukeyuki at Zacke, 28 October 2020, Vienna, lot 188 (sold for 17,696 EUR).