*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, dated 1955. This piece is a little unusual as it depicts a bear carrying a salmon on a wooden pole. It is fashioned from one single block of wood, and is completely hand carved. The signature of the craftsperson can be found on the bottom.

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.17.8cm (7”) x L.14.2cm (5.5”) x W.8.9cm (3.5”)

Condition
It’s in very good condition however it’s nose, ears, backside, the bottom of his pole, it’s back and the base have some general wear, and there is some wear along the edges as well. There’s also a split in the wood on the bear’s back leg, and the lacquer has yellowed in places.

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: Airmail (approx. 15-28 days). Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for Airmail or EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive. If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet option unavailable.                             
**UK and Canada: EMS Express (approx. 7-15 days). Combined shipping available (please send us a message) but please note that the price does not get cheaper for EMS, in fact it becomes more expensive. If you want to save money and don't mind a very long 3 month wait, request sea mail (11-12 weeks depending on processing and backlogs at destination ports). Inexpensive Airmail Small Packet and regular Airmail is currently unavailable.                                                                                                                            
**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).                                                                         
**Russia: No shipping methods available.