Description

Among popular Japanese symbolic animals are frogs. There are many species of frogs in Japan as a result of flooding rice fields in Japanese agriculture. These creatures are often used in poetry and art, and are sometimes carried by travelers to make sure they return home safely from their journeys. The word “frog” in Japanese means “return” which is why the frog is considered a Japanese lucky animal and seen as good fortune in things returning.

Japanese boxwood carving of a female frog with four of her froglets climbing on her back for protection. Frogs carving with Inlaid umimatsu (seapine) eyes. The base is signed Ryoko of the Echigo School. Age is Meiji Period (circa 1890).

Meiji period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 4 3/4″ L x 3 1/2″ W x 3 1/2″ H