Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Kuma Bear Wood Sculpture with Salmon, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-751-4

Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Kuma Bear Wood Sculpture with Salmon, Late Showa (1966-1989) | SKU: 26M-751-4

A bold, hand-carved kuma (bear) sculpture from Hokkaido's celebrated folk-carving tradition -- raw power rendered in warm, richly textured wood.

A kuma bori is a hand-carved wooden bear sculpture rooted in the folk-craft traditions of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Originating in the early Showa period among Ainu-influenced artisans and later embraced by Japanese craft workshops across the region, these carvings became icons of Japanese handcrafted folk art. This striking example depicts a large bear rearing upright, mouth open wide in a commanding roar, with a fish -- likely a salmon -- carried across its back. Every surface is worked with dense, overlapping chisel strokes that brilliantly suggest the coarse, layered texture of a bear's thick fur. The piece rises from a roughly hewn natural base that evokes the rocky riverbanks where bears hunt, left intentionally unfinished to contrast with the finely detailed figure above. Carved from a single piece of light-toned hardwood -- possibly sen (castor aralia) or a similar pale Japanese timber -- the warm honey-and-amber tones of the wood bring natural vitality to the composition. This is a fine example of vintage Japanese craft at its most expressive.

In a modern home, this commanding kuma sculpture makes an immediate statement as a living room accent or study focal point. Its substantial presence and naturalistic detail suit a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi-style interior equally well -- placed on a sideboard, bookshelf, or entryway console, it draws the eye and invites conversation. Collectors of Japanese vintage folk art and wildlife sculpture will appreciate the exceptional carving quality and sculptural ambition of this piece. It also makes a truly unique housewarming gift or a gift for collectors who appreciate handcrafted Japanese woodwork with real character and history.

• Origin: Japan (Hokkaido folk-carving tradition)
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hand-carved hardwood, possibly sen (castor aralia) or similar pale Japanese timber; natural finish
• Use: Decorative folk-art sculpture; souvenir and collector's piece in the Hokkaido kuma bori (bear carving) tradition
• Modern Use: Living room accent or statement shelf piece; entryway decor; unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk art and wildlife sculpture
• Features: Full-figure bear in rearing pose with open roaring mouth; salmon carved across the bear's back; dense chisel-textured fur covering the entire body; naturally rough-hewn rocky base carved from the same single block; fully three-dimensional with detailed work visible from all angles
• Dimensions: 8"W x 5"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A masterwork of vintage Japanese folk craft -- this hand-carved kuma bear sculpture brings the wild spirit of Hokkaido into any modern interior with timeless, artisanal energy.

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.