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

 This listing is for a rather small higuma bear carving from the northern island of Hokkaido, and it was made about 30 years ago. The texture of the fur is rigorously carved, and its small teeth and eyes are rather detailed and wonderfully expressive for a bear this size.  Also, the entire animal has been fashioned from one single piece of wood, and comes with a small wooden display board.

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 recognized as beautiful works of art.    

Sizes

Board:  H.1.2cm (0.4”) x L.14.3cm (5.6”) x W.7.7cm (3”)

Bear:  H.7.2cm (2.8”) x L.12.2cm (4.8”) x W.6.2cm (2.4”)                                                         

Condition

It’s in very good condition aside from some minor surface wear 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 Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

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

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

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.