A dark brown carved wooden bear figurine sitting on a log base, displayed in front of a small carved cabinet against a plain white background.
A carved bear sculpture with an open mouth showing yellowed interior, mounted on a textured brown log base, photographed against a plain white background with a dark wooden cabinet partially visible in the upper left.
A dark brown carved wooden bear sculpture with an open mouth showing a light tan interior, positioned in front of a carved wooden cabinet against a plain white wall.
A carved wooden bear sculpture with a glossy black finish and a contrasting natural tan mouth interior, shown in a close-up studio-style shot with a blurred dark wooden cabinet in the background.
A close-up of a carved bear figurine with dark brown and black fur, featuring a carved tan mouthpiece or mouth detail, set against a plain light gray background.
A close-up of a carved bear sculpture, showing dark brown and black fur with a prominent light tan snout and open mouth revealing teeth, set against a plain light gray background.
A close-up of a carved wooden bear head sculpture with glossy black and dark brown tones, shown against a plain light background.
Close-up of a carved bear head sculpture with dark brown and black fur, a glossy black snout, and an open mouth showing yellowed teeth against a plain light background.
Close-up of a carved black bear figurine with its mouth wide open, showing sharp tan teeth and inner jaw details against a plain light background.
Close-up detail of a black textured animal paw resting on a brown rocky surface, likely part of a statue or collectible figurine.
Close-up detail of a carved monster or dragon head with an open mouth, showing sharp tan teeth and dark black textured upper surface.
A dark carved wooden bear sculpture with its mouth open, showing detailed wood grain and a yellowed interior, set against a light background with a rustic wooden cabinet in the background.
Close-up of a carved wooden monster mouth with sharp teeth, set against a dark textured black background.
Close-up of a glossy black textured object with a wavy, ribbed surface, photographed indoors against a light wall and dark furniture in the background.
A dark carved bear figurine standing on a rustic log base, photographed against a plain white studio background with a small decorative cabinet in the rear.
Close-up of a dark brown and black textured sculpture or carved object with glossy highlights against a plain light background.
A close-up of a dark brown textured material with vertical ridges and faint gold Japanese characters etched or printed along the center.
A close-up of a dark black textured sculpture or figurine mounted on a brown faux-rock base, photographed against a plain white background.
Close-up of a brown wooden object with vertical grooves and gold-colored calligraphic characters engraved or painted on the surface.
Close-up detail of brown feathered texture with layered, glossy plumage and small pale highlights.
Close-up of a brown textured object with overlapping leaf-like or scale-like segments on a white surface.

Monumental Mid-20th Century Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Hand-Carved Wooden Bear

£925.00
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SKU: ITEM-3128
Availability : In Stock In Stock Out of stock
Categories: Accessories, Decorative, New Stock, Stock
Description

This striking, traditional Japanese hand-carved wooden Kibori Kuma sculpture dates back to the mid-20th century (the Showa period). Originating in Hokkaido, Japan, this iconic style is deeply rooted in the culture of the indigenous Ainu people, who revere the Ussuri brown bear as a sacred deity. The premium statue is rendered from local Hokkaido hardwood—specifically Japanese Linden (basswood)—and treated with a dark stain and lacquer finish to accentuate the depth of the cuts. While the artistry feels purely Japanese, its history blends Asian culture with Swiss woodcarving techniques. During the 1920s, a regional leader visited Europe and returned with a Swiss Black Forest carved bear. Impressed by the craft, he encouraged local farmers to carve these bears during the winter as an alternative source of income. A closer look reveals a specialised, rhythmic adze and chisel technique, creating long, dramatic grooves that perfectly mimic the thick bristles of a bear's coat. The log base highlights a beautifully matured, dry-aged patina on the exposed wood grain, accented by minor, natural stress splits from decades of seasonal expansion. Hand-chiselled Japanese kanji inscriptions translating to the origin, artisan, and date are preserved behind the front paw. This incredible sculpture serves as a statement anchor for any modern home, beautifully breaking up the clean, rigid lines of contemporary architecture. 

The dimensions are as follows:

H: 72cm - W: 50cm - L: 90cm 

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