Page 90 - 2021 March 16th Japanese and Korean Art, Christie's New York City
P. 90
67 A CARVED WOOD SCULPTURE OF TOADS 68 A CARVED WOOD SCULPTURE OF A BAKU
EDO PERIOD (19TH CENTURY), SIGNED MASANAO 20TH CENTURY, GUY SHAW (1951-2003)
Finely carved as two small toads on top of a Carved as a mythical beast, baku devouring a rhinoceros, tail of an ox tails and paws of a tiger.
large toad, the surface finished to resemble the bakemono(monsters) in bad dreams and a It is believed that Baku has a mysterious power and
toad's rugged skin, signature on underside profile of a sleeping boy on reverse side, the devours nightmares and bad dreams.
4 in. (10.2 cm.) long eyes of monsters inlaid with various ambers,
signed monogram of Guy Shaw on reverse
$6,000-8,000 2¿c in. (5.4 cm.) high
$2,000-3,000
Guy Shaw passed away aged only 52 in October
2003. He was one of the most famous contemporary
netsuke carvers in the West. Shaw is known for
the use of unique materials and fascination of the
natural environment. Baku is a mythical creature often
depicted with tusks and trunk of an elephant, eyes of
