Two Frogs on Lotus Leaf

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Frogs (or kaeru) hold a special place in Japanese culture, for it is said that if you hear one “croak” you will receive good news or be blessed with good fortune. Frogs also represent personal and spiritual growth. This is due to their metamorphoses from tadpoles to adult frogs. The process of transformation is seen as a metaphor for the change that humans experience throughout their lives. The lotus leaf is a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Buddhism. Although the leaf is usually depicted alongside its flower, it can also be depicted alone, symbolizing the changing of seasons. The two frogs resting on the leaf may signify a time of rest, as they await the blooming of the lotus and the arrival of a new season. In this way, Masanao’s netsuke represents good luck, personal and spiritual growth, purity, and the cyclical nature of life.— Corina Tahuil

Two Frogs on Lotus Leaf, n.d. Ivory, Signed Masanao (of Kyoto), ¾ x 2 x 1 ½ in. Collection of Dr. Joseph and Elena Kurstin.