Tenjiku Tokubei by Toyokuni III in 1860.
The Japanese time period “kimo-kawaii” means “cute and ugly,” typically describing anthropomorphic frogs and toads in artwork.
Tenjiku Tokubei (1612-1692) impressed kabuki and literature, portraying him as a spell-caster reworking stones into large toads. This influenced Kanwatei Onitake, creating Jiraiya, a ninja conjuring phantom frogs. Jiraiya starred within the people story Katakiuchi Kidan Jiraiya Monogatari, tailored into kabuki and numerous media. Matsumoto Hoji, a Nineteenth-century artist, created notable frog woodblocks.
h/t: flashbak
Tenjiku Tokubei driving an enormous toad.
Actor Onoe Tamizô II as Tenjiku Tokubei Artist Utagawa Kunisada I (Toyokuni III) (Japanese, 1786–1864), Writer Kawaguchiya Uhei (Fukusendô) (Japanese) 1841 (Tenpô 12), seventh month.
Actor Onoe Eizaburo I as a Magician with a Large Toad Woodblock print.
Toad Magic (with invisible ink) – 蝦蟇の妖術（あぶりだし絵、透明インク. Artist unknown, Japan.
Frog by Japanese artist Matsumoto Hoji from Meika Gafu, 1814
Toad and Mouse, late 18th – early Nineteenth century Getsuju.
The Meditating Frog is a portray by the Japanese monk Sengai Gibon (1750–1837 CE), Edo interval.
Sumō wrestling toads by Ohara Hōson 1930.
Frogs in Sumo Match, early Nineteenth century Mori Shūhō
