Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Hand-Carved Bear with Salmon, Dated 22 August 1964 (5)

Here is a stunning, vintage Japanese Kibori Kuma dated August 22, 1964. Hand-carved from native pine, this exquisite piece features a stylized, muscular bear leaning forward as it firmly grips a salmon in its claws. A closer look reveals the artisan's intentional, sharp chisel strokes, which create deep, faceted planes that mimic the coarse texture of thick fur. The sculpture is finished with a dark, multi-toned brown stain that beautifully accentuates both the natural wood grain and the depth of the tool marks. This traditional art form originated with the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, northern Japan, and later became a vital winter craft for local farmers looking to supplement their income. Today, this vintage sculpture serves as a striking, high-contrast focal piece for contemporary interiors—perfectly suited for a fireplace mantel or an accent bookshelf. The dimensions are as follows: H: 26cm - W: 17cm - L: 28cm Free Shipping with orders over £35 for UK mainland Thank you for looking and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!