A wood netsuke of two toads

By Masanao, Yamada, Ise Province, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century

By Masanao, Yamada, Ise Province, Edo period (1615-1868), 19th century
A large toad seated in a typical attitude, a smaller toad seated on its back, the wood of a good colour and the eyes inlaid; signed Masanao with a kao. 4.2cm (1 5/8in).

For a very similar example, see George Lazarnick, Netsuke and Inro Artists and How to Read Their Signatures, Honolulu, Reed Publishers, 1982, p.722.