Ɏ SEIMIN: A FINE WALRUS TUSK NETSUKE OF TEN FROG MUSICIANS ON A SANDAL By Seimin, signed Seimin 晴民 Japan, Iwashiro, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Finely carved, the smooth frogs (kaeru) standing atop the broken sandal in a circle, one holding an uchiwa daiko (hand drum) and another a bell hammer. The group sitting on their haunches, touching webbed forefeet to each other as two frogs wave lotus leaves. Good, well-hollowed himotoshi to the underside. Signed on a polished rectangular tablet SEIMIN – the artist was known for his detailed frog groups. LENGTH 4.7 cm Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, natural flaws, and expected age cracks. Museum comparison: Compare a related ivory netsuke of a group of frogs on a lotus leaf, signed Seimin, dated mid- to late 19th century, previously in the Raymond and Frances Bushell Collection, in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, accession number M.91.250.125. Auction comparison: Compare a related walrus tusk netsuke of twenty frogs on a lotus leaf, attributed to Seimin, at Zacke, Fine Netsuke & Sagemono, 22 April 2022, Vienna, lot 173 (sold for EUR 1,896). This item contains ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, and/or some types of tropical wood and is subject to CITES when exporting outside the EU. It is typically not possible to export such items outside of the EU, including to the UK. Therefore, after this item has the necessary trade certificate, it can only be shipped within the EU or picked up in our gallery in person.