Japan, a fine large hand carved wooden bear effigy with great patina from good age, cryptomeria (cedar) wood, Ainu carvers, Hokkaido region, 21″h x 26″l, Middle Showa period (1950-1960)

The Ainu minority people located in Japan’s farthest northern island of Hokkaido , created a wood carving culture and export business going back to the early 20th century.

In order to improve their economic life, many Ainu started to carve wooden statues 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 (Ëɾ®Ã·Ì«ÀÉ. 1901-1949) started carving bears in the town of Asahikawa (Ðñ´¨ÊÐ) after surviving an unfortunate run in with a bear. Matsui became extremely well-known and in 1938 he was asked to carve a bear for Emperor Hirohito (1901¨C1989) consuquently propelling the popularity of this “bear carving” tradition.

Modern carvings, unlike early carvings, generally are simpler carvings, may be signed by the carvers, and some possess shiny stained finishes.