Huge Japanese Ainu Wood Carved Bear - Kibori Kuma holding Sake Cup 4.3kg WO583

Huge Japanese Ainu Wood Carved Bear - Kibori Kuma holding Sake Cup 4.3kg WO583

This is an exceptionally large and heavy Showa-era Japanese wood-carved bear (Kibori Kuma), a traditional folk art (Mingei) of the Ainu people of Hokkaido. Unlike the typical bear with a salmon, this rare collector's piece depicts a bear sitting contentedly and holding a ceramic Sake cup (Choko) in its paws.

Key Features:

• Rare & Humorous Design: A unique variation where the bear is portrayed as a festive character holding a real ceramic cup.

• Masterful Ainu Craftsmanship: Features the classic "Kebori" (hair-carving) technique, with deep, rhythmic strokes creating a lifelike fur texture.

• Massive Weight & Size: At over 4.3kg (9.6 lbs), this is a solid, high-impact piece for home decor or an art collection.

• Showa Era Vintage: A genuine mid-20th-century piece with a rich, dark finish and warm reddish-brown undertones.

Specifications:

• Height: 32.0 cm / 12.6 in

• Width: 25.0 cm / 9.8 in

• Depth: 23.0 cm / 9.1 in

• Total Weight: 4367 g / 9.63 lbs

• Material: Wood (solid), Ceramic (cup)

Condition: Vintage condition with great character. The wood is solid and heavy. There are minor natural wood cracks and surface scuffs consistent with its age. The ceramic cup is securely held in the bear's paws. Please inspect the photos for the incredible detail of the carving and its impressive scale compared to the lighter.