1965 Vintage Japanese Hokkaido Folk Art Carved Wooden Bear with Salmon

A striking vintage hand-carved wooden bear from Hokkaido, Japan, dating to 1965 (Showa 40).

Depicted carrying a salmon in its mouth, the bear features a powerful, grounded stance and richly textured carving that follows the contours of its body.

The deep brown finish emphasizes the sculptural quality of the wood, while the contrast between the bear's rounded back, strong legs, and carefully detailed salmon creates a sense of movement and character.

Wooden bears holding salmon are a distinctive form of Hokkaido folk art, with a long history as regional carved souvenirs and decorative objects.

This particular piece has an especially compelling silhouette, making it equally suitable for a collection of Japanese folk art or as a sculptural accent in a contemporary interior.

The underside of the foot bears markings that appear to include an artist's name and a production number. However, the inscription has not been clearly deciphered, so the maker remains unidentified.

Details
- Origin: Hokkaido, Japan
- Period: 1965 (Showa 40), according to the available provenance
- Type: Hand-carved wooden bear sculpture
- Material: Wood
- Motif: Bear holding a salmon
- Dimensions: Approx. 23 × 14 × 17 cm (9.1 × 5.5 × 6.7 in)
- Markings: Inscription on underside of foot, not fully legible
- Quantity: One sculpture

Condition

Good vintage condition.

There is some minor surface rubbing on the carved salmon. Otherwise, the piece appears well preserved for its age.

Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition and details.

Care

Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, moisture, and abrasive cleaning products.

Please note

The maker has not been identified. The stated production year is based on the available information and has not been independently authenticated.