Carved Wooden Hokkaido Bear.
The tradition of the Hokkaido carved wooden bear began in the early 20th century on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Today the carved bear, often shown holding a salmon in its mouth, is one of Japan’s most recognizable folk crafts and a symbol of the island’s wilderness.
The origin of the craft is commonly linked to Tokugawa Yoshichika, a member of the former Tokugawa ruling family. In 1921, after traveling in Switzerland, he became interested in the tradition of Swiss woodcarving. When he returned to Japan, he encouraged farmers and residents in the town of Yakumo to develop similar carving skills as a winter craft that could provide additional income during the long northern winters.
In good condition.
The size is D: 380mm x W:500mm x H:300mm and the Weight is around 9.200Kgs
