Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear - 1970s Showa Era (25D-331-2)

Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear, 1970s, Showa Era (SKU 25D-331-2)

Showa-era Hokkaido wood carving of a mother Ainu bear and cub among mountain foliage

This expressive kimun-kamuy (bear spirit) sculpture captures a tender moment between a protective mother and her playful cub, carved in the traditional Ainu folk-art style of Hokkaido. Deeply incised fur, softly modeled faces, and the dynamic pose around a branch and broad leaves give the piece a strong sense of movement and warmth, typical of mid-20th-century vintage Japanese Ainu bear carvings.

Hand-carved from solid wood and finished in a rich two-tone stain, the figure balances rustic texture with subtle detailing, from the cub’s inquisitive stance to the cluster of berries at their feet. A classic Showa-era souvenir piece, it displays beautifully on a shelf or alcove, bringing a touch of northern Japan’s forest culture and Ainu heritage into the home.

• Origin: Hokkaido, Japan
• Era: Showa period (circa 1970s)
• Material: Hand-carved wood with stained finish
• Use: Decorative folk-art sculpture for shelf, alcove, or desk display
• Features: Vintage Japanese Ainu bear carving of mother and cub, detailed fur carving, two-tone brown and black stain, naturalistic branch, leaves, and berries motif, solid wooden base
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Excellent vintage condition with light surface wear and patina consistent with age

A characterful Showa-era Ainu bear that adds depth, warmth, and story to any Japanese or folk-art collection.

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.