{"product_id":"striking-kibori-kuma-traditional-japanese-hand-carved-wooden-bear","title":"Monumental Mid-20th Century Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Hand-Carved Wooden Bear","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking, traditional \u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003eJapanese hand-carved wooden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"rQesXe MPyX\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"iNqyIf\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"wfWfIf fxyaSe\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"jAOkJc\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003eKibori Kuma sculpture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe dimensions are as follows:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e H: 72cm - W: 50cm - L: 90cm \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFree Shipping with orders over £35 for UK mainland \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThank you for looking and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apeman Interiors","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56414059299195,"sku":"ITEM-3128","price":925.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0026\/3215\/5254\/files\/monumental-mid-20th-century-japanese-hokkaido-kibori-kuma-hand-carved-wooden-bear-apeman-interiors_5.jpg?v=1792345407","url":"https:\/\/apemaninteriors.co.uk\/products\/striking-kibori-kuma-traditional-japanese-hand-carved-wooden-bear","provider":"Apeman Interiors","version":"1.0","type":"link"}