AN AMBER CARVING OF A TOAD, China, 18th/ 19th century

The toad is depicted with a leafy pomegranate branch on which it is leaning, its round eye looking forward.

Its skin is sculpted in a naturalistic manner to resemble the gnarled skin of a toad.

To its right, a smaller toad climbs over its body.

Provenance: - Collection of Gerard Arnold 1918-2010

Catalogue note: in Chinese art, the toad is often used as a symbol of wealth and the pomegranate as a symbol of numerous children. Therefore, when paired together, toads and pomegranates signify 'May you have an abundance of children and wealth'. Amber is a rich cherry red tone with hints of orange.