Toad sitting on a straw sandal c. 19th century

This netsuke of a toad sitting on a straw sandal was created by Kokei. It is currently located in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The deep brown of the wood, carefully carved, invites a close look. The artist meticulously renders the toad’s bumpy skin and the sandal's textured surface. This piece is compelling through its use of form. Through the composition we find a destabilization of established meanings. The toad, typically an overlooked creature, is elevated. In terms of semiotics, it challenges the common cultural codes associated with beauty and status. The toad resting on a simple sandal—an object connected with travel and labour—presents a subtle commentary on societal values and the everyday. The attention to detail and the careful arrangement of forms create a focal point that draws the eye, making us reconsider the ordinary as a site of value. This functions not just aesthetically but also as a profound engagement with cultural and philosophical discourse.