*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a vintage higuma bear carving from the northern island of Hokkaido, made about 60 years ago. The texture of the fur is rigorously carved, and the bear has a salmon in its mouth. It is fashioned from one single block of wood, and is completely hand carved. Newer items carved by the Ainu have shiny stained finishes, however older pieces like the one in this listing have a more natural matte finish. Please read below in regards to the condition of the bear.

The Ainu people of Japan first started commercial wood carving back in the 1920s. Traditionally their carvings consisted of religious objects, however dire economic circumstances forced them to turn to wood carving for tourists. Their wares, particularly the Higuma bear carvings, became very popular as souvenirs due to their very realistic appearance. The Emperor himself acquired a Higuma bear made by a highly talented carver named Umetaro Matsui in 1938. Following this Matsui won many awards for his work, and gradually these ornate carvings became recognised as beautiful works of art.    

Size

H.11.8cm (4.6”) x L.19.8cm (7.7”) x W.10.2cm (4”)                                                                   

Condition

Overall it’s in decent condition, however there’s wear to the lacquer, especially underneath along its belly where it has whitened and some around its backside.  There are also splits in its backside, and there are some nicks here and there.                           

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail ePacket (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail ePacket (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.