Growling Bear, Carved Wood Ainu Japan Circa 1950-60 #ham1024-3
Direct carving - cracks on the back. The Ainu are an indigenous people living in northern Japan. For them, nature is inhabited by divine spirits called "kamuy," both male and female, some benevolent, others malevolent. It is believed that the origin of these statuettes lies in the stylized animistic miniature bear figurines called "inoka." Kimun kamuy, when descending from the mountains, dons his bear costume. Like the Inuit of Canada and the Chukchi of Siberia, the Ainu consider the bear to be the equal of humans. From 1924 onward, production was encouraged by Prince Hirohito. After the war, carved wooden bears became widespread in homes. A decline began in the 1980s, coinciding with rural depopulation. A detailed illustrated information sheet on Ainu bears will be provided to the buyer.
190 €
Period: 20th century
Style: Asian art
Condition: Good condition
Material: Solid wood
Length: 39
Height: 23
Depth: 17,5
Reference (ID): 1730946
Availability: In stock
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