639 - A Pair of Large Japanese Ainu-Style Hand-Carved Wooden Bears with Salmon. Each finely hand carved from a single block of hardwood, depicting a standing bear carrying a salmon in its mouth, with bold faceted carving and contrasting natural finish to the fish. Measuring approximately 32cm x 37cm and 25cm x 40cm.

A Pair of Large Japanese Ainu-Style Hand-Carved Wooden Bears with Salmon. Each finely hand carved from a single block of hardwood, depicting a standing bear carrying a salmon in its mouth, with bold faceted carving and contrasting natural finish to the fish. Measuring approximately 32cm x 37cm and 25cm x 40cm. Bear-and-salmon carvings, known as Kibori Kuma, originated in Hokkaido, Japan, and became one of the region's most recognisable forms of folk art during the 20th century. Inspired by Ainu cultural traditions, the bear represents strength and the close relationship between the natural world and the salmon that sustained life in northern Japan. Larger examples of this quality are considerably less common than the smaller souvenir carvings typically encountered, making these particularly impressive decorative pieces.