Hand-Carved Wooden Bear, Exquisite Ainu Woodcraft from Japan, 1950s.
This impressive wooden bear is a beautiful example of traditional Kibori Kuma woodcarving (木彫り熊), originating from Hokkaido Island in Japan. This style of carving is a distinctive traditional craft of the indigenous Ainu people, renowned for its expressive and robust style.
Dimensions: height 25 cm, width 50 cm, depth 35 cm. Weight: 8 kg.
The bear has been hand-carved from a single piece of wood and depicts a powerful bear holding two caught fish.
The detailed carving technique brings the fur texture to life, with deep grooves and layered lines that emphasize the animal's strength.
The colors range from deep, rich brown for the bear to natural greenish and yellow hues for the fish, carefully hand-painted to preserve the materials' natural appearance.
This unique artwork makes a striking interior accent, serving not only as a tribute to nature but also to the centuries-old culture and craftsmanship of the Ainu people.