*SHIPPING IS CURRENTLY SET FOR SAL SEA MAIL TO MOST DESTINATIONS, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS LISTING FOR FASTER OPTIONS.

This listing is for a vintage higuma bear carving from the northern island of Hokkaido, and it was made about 50-60 years ago. The fur is wonderfully textured from where the tools have rigorously worked the surface, and it’s fashioned from a single piece of wood.  This particular bear also comes with a wooden display board.

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.

Sizes

Bear:  H.18.6cm (7.3”) x L.30cm (11.8”) x W.13.8cm (5.4”)

Board:  H.1.7cm (0.6”) x 34.1cm (13.4”) x 25.7cm (10.1”)

Condition

Overall it’s in pretty good condition aside from worn lacquer in a few places ie the fish, left side of the face, stomach, and there’s some wood chipped off the tip of the left ear, as well as a few spots on his fur.  The board has light scratches and scuffing.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  The aforementioned countries have very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to your country.  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:  SAL Sea Mail (approx. 11-12 weeks), an upgrade for EMS Express (7-10 days) available for an additional 6300 yen. 

**UK , Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe:  SAL Sea Mail (approx. 8-12 weeks depending on the destination), an upgrade for EMS Express (7-10 days) available for an additional 5100 yen. 

**Asia:  SAL Sea Mail (approx. 6-8 weeks), an upgrade for EMS Express (5-7 days) available for an additional 2650 yen. 

**Middle East, Central Asia, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico:  EMS Express only (7-15 days).

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.