Vintage Japanese Wood Kibori Sculpture, Marishiten-Warrior Archer on Wild Boar, Showa 63 (1988) | SKU: 26J-0850

Vintage Japanese Wood Kibori Sculpture, Marishiten-Warrior Archer on Wild Boar, Showa 63 (1988) | SKU: 26J-0850

A signed and dated handcrafted Japanese wood sculpture depicting Marishiten. It's a Buddhist deity of light, sun, and victory, historically worshiped by samurai for protection and invisibility in battle." -- a rare work of kibori folk art from Showa 63 (1988).

A kibori (hand-carved wood sculpture) is a centuries-old Japanese folk art tradition in which a carver works directly from a single block of wood using chisels and gouges, leaving the natural grain and tool marks as part of the finished aesthetic. This boldly conceived piece captures a muscular warrior figure in full draw, bow pulled taut, his robes and hair swirling with kinetic energy as he rides atop a powerful inoshishi (wild boar) rendered in vivid detail -- snout, tusks, and bristled hide all clearly legible from the chisel work. The figure's intense, focused expression and crouching stance convey the explosive tension of the hunt, evoking warrior traditions rooted deep in Japanese folklore and classical literature. The base -- a large, naturally shaped wood block -- retains its raw, unfinished character with visible straight grain and natural checking cracks, grounding the dynamic composition in the wabi-sabi aesthetic. The flat underside bears a neatly incised inscription reading "Showa 63 nen kichijitsu" (an auspicious day in 1988) alongside the artist's carved signature, making this a fully documented, one-of-a-kind work of vintage Japanese craft.

In a modern home, this striking sculpture commands attention as a living room accent on a console table or bookshelf, where its raw natural wood tones and explosive composition complement both Japandi-style interiors and more eclectic collections. It would sit beautifully on a home office desk or study shelf as a conversation piece alongside other Japanese vintage objects, or displayed in an entryway on a low stand to greet visitors with bold sculptural energy. With its carved date and artist signature, it also makes a meaningful and unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk art, Japanophiles, or anyone who appreciates handcrafted figurative sculpture.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Late Showa -- dated Showa 63 (1988)
• Material: Solid Japanese hardwood, unfinished and unpainted; species not confirmed from images -- possibly tochi (horse chestnut) or similar light-toned native wood; naturally shaped block base with visible straight grain and checking
• Use: Decorative display sculpture; signed and dated kibori folk art piece
• Modern Use: Living room accent or bookshelf statement piece; home office desk sculpture; unique gift for collectors of Japanese folk art
• Features: Dynamic warrior-archer figure in full draw mounted atop a charging inoshishi (wild boar); expressive face with intense focused gaze; flowing robes and hair rendered in bold faceted chisel work throughout; integral natural wood block base with raw grain and checking cracks; flat underside incised with date inscription "Showa 63 nen kichijitsu" and artist signature; entirely hand-carved from a single wood form
• Dimensions: 7 1/4"W x 8"D x 13 1/2"H
• Condition: Good -- natural checking cracks visible in base consistent with wood movement over time; no repairs or losses to carved figures; overall strong and stable

A one-of-a-kind piece of signed vintage Japanese folk art -- this hand-carved kibori sculpture brings raw energy, craftsmanship, and living history to any modern interior.

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.