Decorative ornament - Japan - Kibori kuma roaring bear,

Kibori kuma 木彫り熊 - Roaring bear on live-edge base - signed "Hikaru" 光 - dated August 1983 - Hokkaidō, Japan - #C131


[Overview]

This item is a kibori kuma (carved wooden bear), the iconic folk sculpture of Hokkaidō, Japan's northern island. The tradition began in the 1920s, when farmers of Yakumo began carving bears during the long snowbound winters, and it grew into Hokkaidō's most beloved craft — the roaring brown bear became the very symbol of the island. In recent years these sculptures have been rediscovered by a new generation of collectors and interior designers, both in Japan and abroad.

This is a particularly spirited example: a roaring bear (hoeguma) with its head raised and mouth open, carved with the fine hair-carving technique (kebori) that gives the coat its dense, rippling texture. The ears, claws and teeth are carefully detailed, and the bear stands on its original live-edge wooden base, whose natural bark rim adds a rustic, landscape-like presence.

The bear bears the carved signature "Hikaru" (光), and the underside of the base carries a hand-incised inscription including "Hokkaidō" and the date Shōwa 58, August 26 (August 26, 1983) — a charming trace of its origin, most likely a commemorative purchase at Noboribetsu, one of Hokkaidō's famous hot-spring resorts.

[Key Features]

・Classic Hokkaidō roaring bear (hoeguma) with fine hair-carving (kebori).
・Carved signature "Hikaru" (光); base hand-inscribed and dated August 26, 1983.
・Original live-edge base with natural bark edge.
・An icon of Japanese folk art (mingei), increasingly sought after by collectors and interior designers.

[Estimated Period / Background]

Dated Shōwa 58 (1983). Hokkaidō bear carving flourished from the 1920s through the Shōwa era, with celebrated carving centres at Yakumo, Asahikawa and the hot-spring towns such as Noboribetsu. Vintage hand-carved examples with expressive faces and fine hair-carving, such as this one, stand far above the later souvenir grade.

[Condition]

Good vintage condition. There is a scratch on the bear's hindquarters, and further scratches, small marks and surface soiling consistent with age and long storage — please see the photos, which form part of the description. No breaks or repairs.

[Dimensions / Weight]

Bear: approximately H 16 × W 23 × D 16 cm
Base: approximately H 4 × W 32 × D 20 cm
Total height: approximately 20 cm
Total weight: approximately 2.4 kg

[Provenance / Notes]

From a Japanese collection. Reference: #C131

[Shipping]

The item will be packed carefully using appropriate protective materials and shipped from Japan by FedEx or DHL. Tracking information will be provided after shipment.

Please note: import duties, taxes and customs clearance fees are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer and vary by country — please check with your local customs office before bidding.