Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 8" Box Whether used in a study

Whether used in a study

Having been used lovingly and stored for over a century

Having been in storage for several decades

likely 1920 or earlier judging by the color of the bamboo

Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 8" Box Whether used in a studyThis unusually blond colored vintage Japanese carving (mid late 20th century) was created by the indigenous Ainu people now mainly on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The Ainu people traditionally carved these Kubori Kuma for religious purposes revering the Bear as a deity. Tinted red on the head and neck. Salmon in mouth. This statue measures about 7" tall by 9" long by 6" wide. The carving shows some signs of wear but is overall in very