A late 19th century wood netsuke, study of a toad, squatting on a straw sandal in typical fashion, the textured skin has been well carved and the cord of the sandal forms the himotoshi, signed Masanao, length 5 cm. Provenance: Purchased lot 748a, 'Japanese and Other Works of Art' June 1975. Sotheby Parke Bernet Inc. New York.