Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear - 1970s Showa Era (25D-299)

Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear (SKU 25D-299)

Hand-carved Hokkaidō bear (kimun kamuy) gripping a salmon, a classic Ainu folk art motif from mid‑Shōwa Japan.

This vintage Ainu bear carving captures the powerful moment a brown bear seizes a salmon in its jaws, a scene deeply rooted in the traditions of Hokkaidō. Bold chisel work defines the fur with overlapping facets, while darker stain accents along the back and legs emphasize the animal’s muscular form and give the piece a warm, natural presence.

The salmon is rendered with equal care, from the finely textured scales to the flowing tail, creating a dynamic contrast between predator and prey. Ainu kuma wood carvings like this became emblematic souvenirs of the 1960s–1970s Shōwa era, and today they are sought after as icons of Japanese folk art that display beautifully on a shelf, tokonoma, or desk.

• Origin: Hokkaidō, Japan (Ainu style)
• Era: Shōwa period, mid 20th century (c. 1970s)
• Material: Hand-carved wood with partial stain
• Use: Folk art sculpture; interior display; vintage Japanese decor
• Features: Traditional Ainu bear (kuma) with salmon; expressive chisel marks; two-tone carving with darkened highlights; strong Shōwa-era souvenir aesthetic
• Dimensions: 9 1/4"W x 4 1/2"D x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear

A fine example of vintage Ainu woodcarving, ideal for collectors of Japanese folk art and mid‑century Shōwa pieces.

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 and antique 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.