Description

Highly detailed unusual Japanese bronze censor of depicting Gama Sennin (toad immortal) sitting atop the censors lid. Three dragons form to make the base. Three protective dragons form the sturdy base. Prominent phoenix is seen just below Gama below the lip of the opening to the censor. Wonderful original condition.
The Japanese legend of Gama Sennin (蝦蟇仙人 “Toad Immortal”) is based upon Chinese Liu Hai (劉海), a fabled 10th-century alchemist who learned the secret of immortality from the Chan Chu (“Three-legged Money Toad”).
He is a benign sage with great magical knowledge about pills and drugs. He is always accompanied by a toad and he can assume the shape of a toad.
He could also change his skin and become young again.

Gama was thought to be able to release his spirit from his body, metamorphose, and fly with the aid of his magical companion. Chinese prototypes of this theme sometimes represent the immortal sitting on or resting his foot on the animal and holding a string of gold coins, with which he is supposed to have lured the toad from its hiding place in a well.

Meiji Period (1868 – 1912)

Dimensions: 10 1/2″ wide X 15 1/2″ high

Signed: Suiun-chū ” Cast by Suiun 翠雲鑄 ”

The full name of Suiun (which means “Green Cloud”) seems to be Kirakusai Suiun