Vintage Japanese Carved Wood Ainu Bear with Salmon Figurine, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-751-2

Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Carved Wood Bear with Salmon Figurine, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-751-2

A boldly hand-carved bear with salmon -- an iconic symbol of Hokkaido folk craft and Japanese wilderness tradition.

A kuma (bear) carving clutching a fish is one of the most beloved and recognizable forms of Japanese folk sculpture, originating in the Hokkaido region where Ainu craftsmen first popularized the motif in the early twentieth century. By the Late Showa period this style of handcrafted Japanese wood carving had become a celebrated souvenir art form, produced by skilled regional artisans using dense, richly grained hardwood finished to a deep lacquer-like gloss. This example is rendered with exceptional detail: every tuft of the bear's thick fur is individually incised with confident chisel strokes, and the salmon clenched in its jaws is carved separately in a warm amber-toned wood, its scales faithfully replicated scale by scale. The dramatic two-tone contrast -- near-black bear against honey-gold fish -- gives the piece a striking sculptural presence that elevates it well beyond a simple tourist keepsake into the realm of serious vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home this piece works beautifully as a living room accent on a bookshelf, credenza, or fireplace mantel, where its rich dark tones complement Japandi style, wabi-sabi aesthetic, or mid-century modern interiors alike. It also makes a compelling home office statement piece, adding a note of natural, handcrafted character to a desk or side table. With its bold silhouette and cultural depth, this vintage Japanese wood carving makes a truly unique housewarming gift or a prized addition to any collection of Japanese folk art or vintage animal sculpture.

• Origin: Japan, Hokkaido region
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Carved hardwood with high-gloss lacquer finish; fish element in contrasting lighter-toned wood
• Use: Decorative folk sculpture; regional souvenir art
• Modern Use: Living room accent on shelf or mantel; home office desk sculpture; unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk art
• Features: Finely hand-carved fur texture rendered with individual chisel strokes across the entire body; separately carved salmon with detailed scale and fin work; bold two-tone color contrast; high-gloss lacquer finish; sturdy four-legged standing pose
• Dimensions: 12"W x 6"D x 7 1/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A masterpiece of Japanese folk craft -- this vintage kuma carving brings the wild spirit of Hokkaido and the timeless skill of handcrafted Japanese woodwork into any modern home.

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.