Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear - 1970s Showa Era (25D-331-11)

SKU:
25D-331-11
$120.00
IMPORTED FROM JAPAN
Dimensions: 10"W x 7"D x 5"H
Ship From Location: Berkeley, California
Global Icon International Shipping Notice
For orders shipping outside the United States, please email us with the following information:
  • Your full name
  • SKU number(s) of the item(s)
  • Full shipping address
  • Best contact phone number
One of our team members will review your request and respond as soon as possible.

Please contact us at:
日本語でのお問い合わせも承っております。
(No reviews yet)
Current Stock:
1
Adding to cart… The item has been added

Vintage Japanese Ainu Bear, Showa Era (SKU 25D-331-11)

Hand-carved Hokkaido kuma with salmon, a classic Ainu folk-arts motif

This vintage Japanese Ainu bear carving captures the iconic image of a Hokkaido brown bear gripping a salmon firmly in its jaws. Deeply incised fur lines flow across the body, creating a strong sense of movement as the animal strides forward, while the lighter-toned salmon provides a striking visual contrast and draws the eye to the finely textured scales.

Typical of mid-Showa Hokkaido souvenir and folk art, this wooden kibori kuma combines rustic charm with confident craftsmanship. The gentle expression, polished snout, and carefully modeled eyes give the bear a warm, approachable presence, making it an inviting accent for an Ainu art collection, mingei display, or cabin-style interior.

  • Origin: Hokkaido, Japan
  • Era: Showa period, vintage
  • Material: Hand-carved wood with stained and polished finish
  • Use: Decorative Ainu folk art sculpture for shelf, alcove, or desk display
  • Features: Traditional Ainu bear with salmon motif; detailed carved fur and scales; contrasting two-tone stain; classic vintage Japanese kibori kuma from the Showa era
  • Dimensions: 10"W x 7"D x 5"H
  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light age-appropriate wear

A characterful Ainu bear carving that brings a touch of Hokkaido wilderness and Japanese folk tradition into your space.

As part of our mission to preserve and share Japanese craftsmanship, we offer antiques that were made not just to be admired, but to be used. These pieces were crafted for everyday life, and we honor their purpose by ensuring they can continue to be enjoyed and lived with today.

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.

size:
10"W x 7"D x 5"H