

Antique Cedar Frogs
Antique Japanese Akita Cedar Frogs / Toads | Japanese Carved Sugi Cryptomeria
Age:1912-1926 (Taisho era)
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: Largest - 5-0”h x 7-0”w x 8-0”l; Medium - 3-0”h x 4-3/4”w x 6-1/2”l; Small - 1-3/4”h x 3-0”w x 3-1/2”l
Offered is a family of three (3) antique carved forest frogs/Toads, who are mainly found throughout the farmland and forests in Western Japan. They are carved from Akita Cedar Pine, (Sugi), to carry on these outstanding traditional hand-carved Japanese artifacts. The specialized technique utilizes a single block of Cedar - a tree that is endemic to Japan. Each accurately depicts these unique frogs/toads, (Kaeru / Hikigaeru) through carving in interpreting the warty and ridged surface on the skin of these particular species of frog. Each is accented with the natural age rings of the wood, which is taken advantage of doing the carving of these frogs which have been produced since the Meiji era. The eyes are made from both glass and lacquer in the colors of gold and black eyes. Each exhibits a beautiful patina and realism by carvers utilizing the natural veins and wood composition to obtain the frog shape and texture. Akita cedar has one of the most unique and strong scents but since these pieces were produced so many years ago the fragrance has diminished. The medium size carving has an impressed stamp on the bottom.
Craftsmen produce these beautiful animal forms one by one with their skilled hands using Akita cedar in its natural state with gorgeous grain, which is continually passed down to the next generation. Akita cedar is literally a natural cedar tree in Akita prefecture and comes from one of the most beautiful forests in Japan. Akita has been used in the making of all forms of crafts from Kimonos to Kokeshi dolls, temples, houses, and all forms of wooden Soy and Sake Barrels and food service items like Bento Boxes. See our Blog entitled, Kaeru: Japanese Creation of Myth.
Condition: Excellent condition for the piece is perfect, with no chipping, missing elements, or color loss, and has been carefully preserved. A beautiful patinated finish, retaining the original craftsmanship. Meets the standards of the collector of Japanese carved wood crafts.