Okimono: Gama Sennin, Daoist Holy Man
2006.12.0009
Detailed Images
Basic Information
| Artifact Identification | Okimono: Gama Sennin, Daoist Holy Man (2006.12.0009) |
|---|---|
| Classification/ Nomenclature |
|
| Artist/Maker | Seiho, Seisuke (to) |
| Geographic Location | |
| Period/Date | Meiji Period (1868-1912), Late 19th Century |
| Culture | Japanese |
Physical Analysis
| Dimension 1 (Height) | 18.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Dimension 2 (Width) | 8 cm |
| Dimension 3 (Depth) | 7.5 cm |
| Weight | 124 g |
| Measuring Remarks | Width describes man from elbow to elbow; depth describes base toad from front to back. |
| Materials | Plant--Wood, Stone? |
| Manufacturing Processes | Carved |
| Munsell Color Information | N/A |
Research Remarks
| Published Description | N/A |
|---|---|
| Description | "An extremely detailed Japanese wood okimono of Gama Sennin by Seiho. The Gama Sennin is dancing on the back of a large frog while balancing a smaller frog on his head. Sennin (also termed Rishi) are Daoist holy men who had reached immortality. The Gama Sennin is always shown with frogs, often three-legged. It is believed that the three-legged frog inhabits the moon. It represents good luck and success in finance. Gama Sennin is a popular subject for netsuke and a rare subject for okimono. This okimono dates from the Meiji period, 19th century, and stands 7 3/8” high." - Bernie McManus, Appraiser, Woodbury House, Connecticut, 08/29/2006 |
| Comparanda | Sotheby’s, the Racing Sale, New York City, 11/13/1996, lot #390; An ivory Gama Sennin, 18th c., standing and smiling as he holds his belt loop with one hand and supports a large toad on his shoulder with the other, worn, good patina, unsigned, 9cm; 3.5”h. |
| Bibliography | Lester, Gerd. "Okimono: Decorative Wood and Ivory Carvings for the Tokonoma." Arts of Asia, November-December 1989, pp. 112-120. Figure 11. |
Artifact History
| Archaeological Data | N/A |
|---|---|
| Credit Line/Dedication | Fred A. Freund Collection |
| Reproduction | No |
| Reproduction Information | N/A |