A LARGE AND POWERFUL IVORY NETSUKE OF GAMA SENNIN Unsigned Japan, Kyoto, late 18th century, Edo period (1615-1868) Published: International Netsuke Society Journal, Vol. 20, no. 1, Spring 2000 on the cover and on p. 14, fig.6. Östasiatiska Museet (1999) Netsuke, p. 25. Exhibited: Östasiatiska Museet, Sweden, Stockholm, 16 October 1999 – 9 January 2000. A large and amusing representation of a well-fed Gama Sennin with large chubby cheeks, curly hair and unusually small eyes, the pupils minutely inlaid in dark horn. The expression is quite unique and somewhat grotesque. A warty toad climbs up over his left shoulder. Gama sits in a relaxed pose, his robe, decorated with aoi leaves and scrolling vines, falls loosely. Fine, shiny golden patina and large himotoshi through the underside and reverse. HEIGHT 4.7 cm, LENGTH 4 cm Condition: Good condition with expected wear and age cracks. Provenance: Ex collection Mrs. Gunvor Bjorkman. Though it is unclear who exactly carved this type of ‘melon-headed’ Gama Sennin, which are rare but identifiable, there appears to be some shared idiosyncrasies with the Yoshinaga school of Kyoto, in terms of expressiveness, decorations of the robe, subject matter and patina.