Victoria and Albert Museum
The world’s greatest museum of art and design
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Motifs and Symbols: Animals
Netsuke of a frog on a lotus leaf, 18th century. Museum no. A.982-1910
Netsuke of a frog on a lotus leaf, 18th century. Museum no. A.982-1910
Netsuke
Japan
c. 1750 - 1850
Ebony
Museum no. A.982-1910
Netsuke (toggle) in the shape of a frog sitting on a lotus leaf. The frog symbolises good luck, and is often worn as a charm when travelling, particularly on journeys over water. The lotus flower denotes spiritual flowering, and is a central motif of Buddhist philosophy.
