The start of a new collection...

I've started to collect Netsuke (pronounced Net-ski). To explain what a netsuke is, is probably best left to the experts so click here for the Wikipedia explanation.

My 2nd piece which I've bought from eBay is a small frog sat on a flower (see below).

It's carved from a tagua (palm oil) nut and is approx 3.5cm in size. The holes underneath are where it would be attached to the cord of the inro. It is also signed by the sculptor. I have no idea of it's age.