{"product_id":"vintage-japanese-ainu-horiguma-bear-hand-carved-wooden-folk-art-hokkaido-7h","title":"Vintage Japanese Ainu Horiguma Bear Hand-Carved Wooden Folk Art Hokkaido 7\"H","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"461\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"395\" data-end=\"461\"\u003eAinu Nipopo cultural guardian figures hand carved in Hokkaidō\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"463\" data-end=\"583\"\u003eJapan (Hokkaidō), Mid-20th Century (c. 1940–1960)\u003cbr data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"515\"\u003eDimensions: approx. 2.25″L × 2″W × 7″H (6 × 5 × 18 cm)\u003cbr data-start=\"569\" data-end=\"572\"\u003eWeight: \u0026gt;2lbs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"585\" data-end=\"1070\"\u003eA vintage pair of \u003cstrong data-start=\"603\" data-end=\"618\"\u003eAinu Nipopo\u003c\/strong\u003e (ニポポ) hand-carved wooden figures from northern Japan, created within the Indigenous arts tradition of the Ainu people of Hokkaidō. Each figure stands with hands clasped at the front, a posture expressing peace, sincerity, and respectful greeting, widely associated with Ainu cultural identity and ceremonial presence. Carved from solid wood with tool-marked surfaces and dark stain, the forms have developed a natural patina from age and handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1072\" data-end=\"1615\"\u003eDistinctive features include stylized facial geometry, deeply incised robe patterns referencing traditional protective Ainu textile motifs, and the rakko head covering. The name \u003cem data-start=\"1258\" data-end=\"1266\"\u003eNipopo\u003c\/em\u003e derives from \u003cem data-start=\"1280\" data-end=\"1284\"\u003eni\u003c\/em\u003e (wood) and \u003cem data-start=\"1296\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003epopo\u003c\/em\u003e (child \/ small figure), historically serving as charms of protection, good fortune, and spiritual well-being. Production of Nipopo carvings expanded in the early–mid 20th century as Ainu communities preserved cultural expression and supported regional craft economies around Lake Akan, Nibutani, and Shiraoi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1986\"\u003eComparable in purpose to Kokeshi dolls—both functioning as carved symbolic figures exchanged as gifts and objects of good fortune—Nipopo sculptures reflect a distinct Indigenous spiritual worldview centered on kamuy, the spirits believed to reside within natural forms. Their strong sculptural presence and expressive faces lend them striking display power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1988\" data-end=\"2124\"\u003eCondition: Age-appropriate surface wear, small natural drying lines, and patina throughout. No repairs noted; stable and well-preserved.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2126\" data-end=\"2341\"\u003eA meaningful pair with rich cultural significance and sculptural character—ideal for collectors of Japanese folk art, Indigenous carving traditions, anthropological material culture, and expressive interior display.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shogun's Gallery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51502277624125,"sku":"22J1161","price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0684\/2348\/3709\/files\/FDFB2762-10B8-489F-8D28-75B634A4793E.jpg?v=1773676208","url":"https:\/\/shogunsgallery.com\/products\/vintage-japanese-ainu-horiguma-bear-hand-carved-wooden-folk-art-hokkaido-7h","provider":"Shogun's Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}