WAVE:Galleries, Museums, Archives of Wolverhampton
Ivory okimono depicting two toads on lotus leaf, Japan, 16th century, OJ232
Throughout East Asia, the toad is a symbol of longevity and a number of myths outline a close relationship between deities and toads.
This okimono is carved from one piece of ivory and depicts two toads fighting on a lotus leaf. The texture of the toads' skin has been carefully carved and their eyes highlighted with a dark stain.
An Okimono is a small japanese carving, similar to, but larger than netsuke. Unlike netsuke, which had a specific purpose, okimono were purely decorative.
Ivory okimono depicting two toads on lotus leaf, Japan, 16th century, OJ232
Throughout East Asia, the toad is a symbol of longevity and a number of myths outline a close relationship between deities and toads.
This okimono is carved from one piece of ivory and depicts two toads fighting on a lotus leaf. The texture of the toads' skin has been carefully carved and their eyes highlighted with a dark stain.
An Okimono is a small japanese carving, similar to, but larger than netsuke. Unlike netsuke, which had a specific purpose, okimono were purely decorative.