Early 20th Century Japanese Hokkaido Kibori Kuma Hand-Carved Prowling Cedar Bear (8)

This stunning early 20th-century Kibori Kuma is a traditional Japanese hand-carved wooden bear originating from the Hokkaido region. Heavily associated with the town of Yakumo and the indigenous Ainu culture, the sculpture is masterfully rendered from a single solid block of cedar wood. The entire body features highly tactile, deep chisel marks that beautifully replicate the thick, layered texture of fur. While most souvenir-style carvings depict a docile bear with a salmon, this exceptional piece captures a prowling bear in a dynamic, aggressive stance—leaning forward with ears pinned back and its jaw wide open in a snarl. This sculpture serves as an excellent accent piece for contemporary interiors, ideally suited for a prominent mantelpiece or bookshelf display. The dimensions are as follows: H: 19cm - W: 15cm - L: 31cm Free shipping with orders over £35 for UK mainland Thank you for looking and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions!