Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 6” Kiseru & Tabakobon and with exception of minor

and with exception of minor sign of use

With exception of  signs of past use

jovial face wearing its characteristic wide grin and black cap (大黒頭巾)

Repairs and restoration work leaves in good repair

Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 6” Kiseru & Tabakobon and with exception of minorThis 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 good condition. Most likely