A stone carving of a frog and beetle on a rockAttributed to Tsuramitsu (Kanman, 1793-1859), Iwami Province, early 19th century
The frog seated on the top of a jagged rock with a foliate branch carved in relief with one side, the beetle climbing up from below, the stone of pale colour; inscribed Iwami no ju Tsuramitsu saku (made by Tsuramitsu [Kanman] of Iwami Province). 5.4cm (2 1/8in).注脚石彫置物　岩に蛙と兜虫　銘 「石見住貫満作」　19世紀前期

Provenance:
Joseph and Edie Kurstin Collection.

Published:
Okada and Neill, RIB, p.58, no.39.
Lazarnick, NIA, p.583.
Burditt, ICK, p.52, fig.12.
Rokusho 20, p.83, no.124.
Earle, Huthart, p.274, no.243.

This example is not a netsuke but probably a polishing stone, which fits neatly into the hand. The signature is atypical and was possibly added later.