*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 50 years ago. The texture of the fur is finely carved, and the entire bear is hand carved from one single piece of wood.  Newer items carved by the Ainu have shiny stained finishes, however older pieces like the one in this listing have more of a matte finish despite being lacquered.  The signature of the craftsperson can be found on the bottom.

The Ainu people of Japan first started commercial wood carving back in the1920s. 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.    

Size

H.13.4cm (5.2”) x L.23.5cm (9.2”) x W.10.9cm (4.2”)                                                               

Condition

It’s in pretty good condition aside from some worn/faded lacquer and some surface nicks.                                                                                                                                       

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.