VINTAGE 12” JAPANESE AINU HOKKAIDO CARVED WOOD BEAR WITH CUB SALMON SCULPTURE

Vintage, Japanese Ainu bear, hand carved wood sculpture. Depicts a large bear holding a salmon hanging from a branch with a bear cub in tow. Vintage hand-carved Ainu bears come from the Ainu people of Hokkaido, Japan. Each bear is carved in the traditional 'ichiboku' style where the carvings come from a single block of wood. This is a very large and heavy piece. “This wooden Ainu bear carving, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Ainu people of Hokkaido, Japan. Carved with exquisite detail and craftsmanship, this sculpture captures the essence of Ainu reverence for nature and their deep connection to the land and sea. The history of the Ainu bear is intertwined with the Ainu's spiritual beliefs and way of life. The Ainu people, indigenous to the northern regions of Japan, have long revered the bear as a sacred animal, viewing it as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and protection. Bears held a central place in Ainu rituals, with ceremonies conducted to honor and communicate with these powerful creatures." (See photos for details) Purchased in Japan. It has been in climate controlled storage for decades. Comes from a pet and smoke free home. Size: 11.625” tall x 11 long x 5” wide”