A SUPERB WOOD TONKOTSU DEPICTING A TOAD ON A LEAF WITH EN SUITE OJIME AND ‘LOTUS’ KISERUZUTSUUnsignedJapan, probably Hida-Takayama, 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)Well carved as a toad standing foursquare with webbed feet, about to leap forwards, its warty skin naturalistically detailed and darkly stained for effect, the large eyes inlaid in translucent horn with dark pupils, the underside with the ingenious cover in the form of a furled leaf with neatly incised veins and jagged edges, the cord attachment through the pierced mouth and the interior of the cover.The ojime similarly carved as a slug on a worm-eaten leaf. The pipe case of senryu-zutsu form, one end carved as a lotus pod with movable seeds borne on a long stem, with further stems issuing finely veined lotus leaves and a smaller pod, the underside with a metal loop for the cord.LENGTH 10 cm (the tonkotsu) and 21.4 cm (the kiseruzutsu)Condition: Very good condition, minor wear, traces of use.Auction comparison:The manner of the toad, particularly the finely carved warts and double inlaid eyes, is reminiscent of the Hida-Takayama carvers such as Sukenaga, Sukenao, Suketada and Sukenobu. For a related okimono of a toad and snake, by Sukenobu, see Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 2 December 2022, Vienna, lot 168 (sold for 18,420 EUR).