Japanese Antique Edo Era (C. 1700) Boxwood Netsuke Gama Sennin With Staff

This is a Japanese Edo era netsuke from the early 1700's . It depicts the Chinese sage Gama Sennin. holding a staff and rubbing the top of his head. Gama Sennin, known literally as the ‘toad hermit,’ a character based on the historical civil servant and alchemist Liu Hai of 10th century China. Gama was thought to be able to release his spirit from his body, metamorphose, and fly with the aid of a magical frog companion. Gama’s flattened head, broad nose, and wide grin convey an eccentric character and otherworldly nature.

Measures 3 1/2" tall (9 cm). Overall , it remains in very good condition.