Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear - 1970s Showa Era (25D-331-8)

SKU:
25D-331-8
$75.00
IMPORTED FROM JAPAN
Dimensions: 7"W x 3 1/4"D x 4 1/2"H
Ship From Location: Berkeley, California
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Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Ainu Bear (SKU 25D-331-8)

Expressive hand-carved wooden Hokkaido bear in the classic Ainu style

This vintage kimun kamuy (bear spirit) carving captures the powerful stance and open-mouthed roar of the Hokkaido brown bear, a central motif in Ainu culture. Deep, rhythmic chisel work creates a rich pelt of overlapping fur, while the head and muzzle are left more smoothly finished to emphasize the alert expression and slightly bared teeth.

Finished in a dark stain with warm highlights at the snout and chest, this Showa-era Ainu bear displays beautifully from every angle and reads as both sculpture and folk art. A classic example of mid-20th-century Japanese souvenir carving, it is ideal for a curated mingei display, cabin decor, or as a characterful accent on a bookshelf or desk.

  • Origin: Hokkaido, Japan
  • Era: Showa period, circa 1970s
  • Material: Hand-carved wood with dark stain
  • Use: Decorative folk art sculpture / collectible Ainu bear carving
  • Features: Dynamic roaring pose, finely faceted fur carving, traditional Hokkaido Ainu bear motif, warm patina with subtle color contrast at the muzzle
  • Dimensions: 7"W x 3 1/4"D x 4 1/2"H
  • Condition: Excellent vintage condition with minor wear and small nicks to high points consistent with age

A strong, characterful piece that brings the spirit of Hokkaido’s forests and Ainu craft tradition into your collection.

 

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:
7"W x 3 1/4"D x 4 1/2"H