Vintage Japanese Wood Carving of Bear with Salmon (Hokkaido Kuma-Bori), Showa Era 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-017

Vintage Japanese Wood Carving of Bear with Salmon (Hokkaido Kuma-Bori), Showa Era 1966-1989 | SKU: 26M-017

A masterwork of handcrafted Japanese wood sculpture -- a powerful bear clasping a salmon, rendered in warm honey-toned hardwood with extraordinary textural detail.

A kuma (bear) carving clutching a salmon is one of the most iconic subjects in Japanese folk woodcraft, originating in Hokkaido and closely associated with the Ainu-inspired souvenir carving tradition that flourished from the early Showa era onward. This vintage Japanese wood carving depicts a crouching brown bear firmly grasping a large fish across its chest -- a composition that symbolizes strength, abundance, and the wild northern landscape. Every surface of the piece has been worked by hand: the bear's fur is rendered in dense, flowing chisel strokes that ripple across the body, while the fish's scales and tail fin are carved with meticulous precision. The warm amber tone of the hardwood -- smooth at the muzzle and paws, textured everywhere else -- gives the sculpture a luminous, tactile quality that photographs alone cannot fully convey. A fine example of vintage Japanese craft at its most expressive.

In a modern home, this handcrafted Japanese bear sculpture makes an immediate statement as a living room accent or home office conversation piece. Displayed on a bookshelf, fireplace mantel, or entryway console, it brings the wabi-sabi aesthetic of natural materials and honest craftsmanship into any interior style -- from rustic cabin to Japandi minimalist. It also makes a truly unique gift for collectors of Japanese vintage pieces, lovers of wildlife art, or anyone drawn to the bold energy of hand-carved wood sculpture. Whether admired up close for its intricate fur texture or appreciated from across a room for its dynamic silhouette, this piece rewards attention at every scale.

• Origin: Japan (Hokkaido tradition)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Carved hardwood, warm honey-amber tone; likely a dense, close-grained Japanese hardwood
• Use: Decorative folk sculpture; souvenir and gift carving in the Hokkaido kuma-bori (bear carving) tradition
• Modern Use: Living room or home office accent sculpture; bookshelf or mantel display piece; unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk art or wildlife sculpture
• Features: Fully hand-carved three-dimensional figure of a crouching bear holding a large fish; dense chisel-textured fur across the entire body; finely detailed fish scales and tail fin; smooth polished surfaces at the face and paws contrasting with richly worked fur; dynamic naturalistic pose
• Dimensions: 12"W x 8"D x 7"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of vintage Japanese folk craft -- this bear carving brings the wild spirit of Hokkaido woodworking tradition into any modern home with warmth, texture, and timeless appeal.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.