Japanese Carved Wood Sansukumi Netsuke

Description

Japanese carved boxwood katabori netsuke or okimono sculpture ornament depicting a "sansukumi-ken" triad, comprising an intertwined snake, frog, and slug, Meiji period, ca. 1868-1912. The overturned slug is held within the grasp of the frog, intent on devouring the noxious creature, while the snake tightly constricts around the amphibian, locking the three animals in a state of mutually assured destruction.

Provenance: Private Collection, New York; thence by descent.
Height: 1 1/2 in x width: 2 1/4 in x depth: 2 3/4 in.

Condition

There are no breaks, losses, or repairs.

Buyer's Premium

30%

Japanese Carved Wood Sansukumi Netsuke

Lot 0154

Estimate $800-$1,600Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

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Arts of Asia

Nov 10, 2026, 11:00 AM EST

St. Paul, MN, United States

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