Hokkaidō Carved Wood Bear, Japan
This carved wooden bear from Hokkaidō is one of the warmest classic symbols of Shōwa folk craft. The Hokkaidō carved bear (kibori-guma) originated in Ainu culture and represents reverence for and protection of nature. This piece is carved using the mentori (faceted) technique, its crisp, bold knife-work capturing the bear's endearing, good-natured pose as it sits at rest, with the carved fur lines and the details of the paws everywhere showing the craftsman's hand. At 26.5 cm tall it has substantial presence; the dark-brown wooden surface bears natural traces of age, and such slight wear only adds to the authentic beauty and historical depth of the antique. (Traces of storage and scuffs)