Japanese "Grumpy Frog" Poster by Matsumoto Hoji, Sad Toad Minimalist A

Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.

This is the iconic and much-loved image of a frog by the 18th-century Japanese artist Matsumoto Hoji. The artwork is a masterpiece of minimalist expression, using simple, fluid brushstrokes to capture the essence of the creature while giving it a comically grumpy or world-weary expression. The bold, black form, with its simple white-outlined eyes and mouth, creates a perfectly balanced and timeless composition. Though created in 1785, its graphic simplicity has made it incredibly popular in the modern era, where it's often affectionately known as the "Grumpy Frog."

Historical Tidbit

Despite this frog's famously forlorn expression, in Japan, the frog (kaeru) is actually a powerful symbol of good luck and good fortune. This is due to a clever pun: the Japanese word for frog, kaeru (蛙), is a homophone for the verb "to return" kaeru (帰る). Because of this, frogs are believed to ensure the safe return of travelers and the return of wealth. Many people in Japan will carry a small frog charm in their coin purse to ensure their money will "return" to them. So, while this beloved character may look sad, it is traditionally a very positive and auspicious symbol.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time: