Antique Japanese bronze usubata (container for ikebana flower arranging). Charming bronze frog with bumpy skin except for his belly and under chin which are smooth. Out of his mouth comes the stem of the water container portion of the usubata. Inside the inverted conical container is a rounded form with ridges for holding flowers and branches in place. The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin ("Toad Immortal") is based upon Chinese Liu Hai Gama Sennin "Toad Immortal" - Liu Hai: The Sage with the Toad on his back. He is a benign sage with great magical knowledge about medications and drugs. He is always accompanied by a toad and he can assume the shape of a toad himself.

Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912)

Dimensions: 13 1/2" high x 8 3/4" wide