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Old Japanese wooden carved bear/animal figurine/Showa era

Price:$1,500

About the Item

This is a wooden bear, likely made during the Showa era in Japan. The industry of carving wooden bears in Hokkaido began to develop around the Taisho era as souvenirs. During the cold winter months, when agricultural work was not possible, farmers began carving these bears as a side job, which later spread as a hobby. In the 1950s, there was a boom in wooden bears in Japan, and bears holding salmon were produced in large quantities. It is likely that this wooden bear was created during such a time. The bear has a distinctive rounded form with an innocent expression, and its eyes are very round and adorable. It seems that after roughly carving it, a slender chisel was used to express the bear's fur texture. It has a well-balanced design from every angle, making it a charming bear. Additionally, what makes this bear unique is that it has not been painted with varnish, and it is likely a cub rather than an adult bear. Many souvenir wooden bears are coated with a brown, shiny varnish, but this one remains in its raw, uncoated wooden state. As a result, the softness of the wood and the material itself come through, adding a sense of approachability and charm. The innocent, youthful expression and body suggest that this is a cub. It is possible that there was once an adult bear counterpart, but the details are unknown. The stomach area and right front paw show signs of repairs, where the wood had chipped or cracked. These repairs seem to have been made during the creation process. Why not consider displaying this charming bear, made in Japan, in your home? It is unlikely that a similar item will be available in the future. Highly recommended! Weight: 5.05 kg

Dimensions:
Height: 8.67 in (22 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)
Style:
Showa (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Mid-20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1950-1980
Condition:
Repaired: It is believed that any cracks or chips in the wood during the making of this piece were filled in with wood during the production process, such as the belly area and the tip of the right hand.
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487243717632

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