Japanese fine old handmade and hand carved wood bear parent and child “Higuma” carrying their catch of the day a “salmon” fish.

Artist signed Seiho.

Handcrafted from cryptomeria (cedar) wood.

Quality: Ittobori style (carved from one wooden piece),

Ainu Peoples, Hokkaido region. Artist signed front.

Fine original old lacquered patina.

Dimensions: 33 inches tall and 30 inches long
Handmade and hand carved

History of the wood carvings of Ainu peoples.

The Ainu minority people located in Hokkaido created a wood carving culture and export business going back to the early 20th century. Many Ainu carved wooden statues in particular “bears” known as Higuma to sell as souvenirs. Until then, these bear carvings had only existed as religious objects, usually as headdresses and prayer sticks. History tells us that during the early 20th century, a former bear hunter by the name of Umetaro Matsui ( 1901-1949) started carving bears in the town of Asahikawa after surviving an unfortunate run in with a bear.

Provenance: Old Southern Japan collection.

We have been dealing in fine authentic Japanese ceramics, antiques including screens, garden ornaments, lanterns and water basins for many years. Our president personally travels to Japan each year to meet his network partners who assist him in finding best examples. He personally inspects each antique to ensure its old age, authenticity, and quality condition.

Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our lifetime authenticity guarantee.