{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-ainu-bear-kuma-w-salmon-signed-sugi-wood-9","title":"Vintage Japanese Ainu Bear Kuma w\/ Salmon Signed Sugi Wood ~9\"","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"106\" data-end=\"479\"\u003eA finely hand-carved wooden bear clutching a salmon in its jaws, a classic motif rooted in the traditions of the \u003cstrong data-start=\"238\" data-end=\"253\"\u003eAinu people\u003c\/strong\u003e of northern Japan. These sculpted bears—known collectively as \u003cem data-start=\"316\" data-end=\"331\"\u003eHoriguma \u003c\/em\u003e(彫熊) — represent one of the most recognizable and beloved forms of \u003cstrong data-start=\"398\" data-end=\"419\"\u003eHokkaidō folk art\u003c\/strong\u003e, merging spiritual reverence with regional craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"481\" data-end=\"872\"\u003eIn Ainu cosmology, the bear (\u003cem data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"523\"\u003ekimun kamuy\u003c\/em\u003e, “mountain god”) was regarded as one of the most powerful deities, descending from the divine realm in animal form to provide food, fur, and blessings to humankind. The salmon it holds symbolizes prosperity, renewal, and gratitude—core elements of the Ainu worldview, which honors harmony and reciprocity between people and the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"874\" data-end=\"1289\"\u003eOriginally inspired by the Iomante (bear-sending ceremony), these carvings came to embody the enduring bond between humans and the spirit world. From the early 1900's onward, Ainu and Hokkaidō artisans refined the tradition, developing distinct regional styles—from naturalistic and highly detailed examples with lifelike fur texture to more rustic, stylized interpretations emphasizing form and energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1291\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eCarved from native woods such as sugi (cedar), katsura or keyaki (zelkova), each piece carries a warmth and vitality that reflects its maker’s hand. The bear’s forward motion and intent gaze convey strength and guardianship, while the fish represents abundance and sustenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1595\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1581\" data-end=\"1593\"\u003eDetails:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1596\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1627\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1598\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hokkaidō, Japan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1628\" data-end=\"1685\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1685\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1641\"\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Showa, mid 1900's\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1730\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1730\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1701\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved wood, hand-finished\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1731\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1775\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1733\" data-end=\"1745\"\u003eSubject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bear (\u003cem data-start=\"1752\" data-end=\"1760\"\u003ekuma\u003c\/em\u003e) with salmon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1776\" data-end=\"1832\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1832\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1792\"\u003eSymbolism:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strength, prosperity, divine blessing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1833\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1849\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e  Minor age wear consistent with use and handling. Please see photos for details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"2123\"\u003eToday, Ainu bear carvings are appreciated both as expressions of indigenous spirituality and as iconic symbols of Hokkaidō craftsmanship—bridging cultural heritage and modern folk art collecting.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shogun's Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51338634920253,"sku":"22J1160C","price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/2348\/3709\/files\/3ED5D921-6D50-4B9D-9A7D-D684A09BAEA7_1_201_a.jpg?v=1769735882","url":"https:\/\/shogunsgallery.com\/products\/vintage-japanese-ainu-bear-kuma-w-salmon-signed-sugi-wood-9","provider":"Shogun's Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}