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ID #SA1236566
FOR SALE
£985
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Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art
For sale by London Fine Antiques
for sale €1,152     $1,251
£985
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2010
Browse dealers 949 items
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    Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide
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Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art

1900 - 1920
Description

This is an antique decorative bear figure. A Japanese, carved cedar Kibori Kuma, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.

Enthusiastically carved and fascinating study of the large riverside predator

Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order

Ebonised cedar carved to a striking standard of detail

Presented upon a later Belgian marble plinth with protective baize to base

The hirsute bear proudly holds its catch within his mouth

Represents an Ussuri brown bear with chum salmon, a prized food source for the Ainu peoples

Notice the quality fur detail and the scales of the fish, presenting superb craftsmanship

Originating in Yakumo and Hokkaido prefectures, farmers carved these bears in colder seasons

This is a distinguished antique decorative bear figure, with superb detail to the hand-carved body. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Max Width: 30.5cm (12'')

Max Depth: 20cm (7.75'')

Max Height: 19.5cm (7.75'')

Physical Dimensions
Height
19.5cm (7.68")
Width
30.5cm (12.01")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Declaration

London Fine Antiques has dated this Japanese Carved Wooden Bear to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1236566
Dealers Internal Reference
18.8146
Dealers Notes

What our clients have to say: https://www.londonfine.co.uk/pages/reviews

Description
This is an antique decorative bear figure. A Japanese, carved cedar Kibori Kuma, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1920.

Enthusiastically carved and fascinating study of the large riverside predator

fig 1. A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.
fig 1. Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art

Displays a desirable aged patina and in good order

Ebonised cedar carved to a striking standard of detail

Presented upon a later Belgian marble plinth with protective baize to base

The hirsute bear proudly holds its catch within his mouth

fig 2. A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.
fig 2. Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art

Represents an Ussuri brown bear with chum salmon, a prized food source for the Ainu peoples

Notice the quality fur detail and the scales of the fish, presenting superb craftsmanship

Originating in Yakumo and Hokkaido prefectures, farmers carved these bears in colder seasons

fig 3. A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.
fig 3. Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art

This is a distinguished antique decorative bear figure, with superb detail to the hand-carved body. Delivered ready to enjoy.

Dimensions:

Max Width: 30.5cm (12'')

Max Depth: 20cm (7.75'')

Max Height: 19.5cm (7.75'')

Height
19.5cm (7.68")
Width
30.5cm (12.01")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Date of Manufacture

London Fine Antiques has dated this Japanese Carved Wooden Bear to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1236566
Dealers Internal Ref
18.8146
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2010

Fine antiques curated in england and sold worldwide

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the London Fine Antiques Profile Page

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A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.
1 / 11
Archive I A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.

Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art

Archive II A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View II
Archive III A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View III
Archive IV A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View IV
Archive V A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View V
Archive VI A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View VIII
Archive IX A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View IX
Archive X A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View X
Archive XI A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base. View XI
Enlarged Archival View
London Fine Antiques

London Fine Antiques
Telephone 0207 1833511
Location
The Antique Village
Hele
Exeter
Devon
EX5 4PW
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
Items For Sale 949
Items Sold 5,630
London Fine Antiques
London Fine Antiques
Verified Since Oct 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: The Antique Village, Hele, Exeter, Devon , EX5 4PW, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/londonfineantiques
Verified
Oct 2010
For Sale
949
Sold
5,630
A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.
Antique Decorative Bear Figure, Japanese, Carved Cedar, Kibori Kuma, Folk Art
Ref: SA1236566
A Japanese carved cedar bear holding a fish in its mouth mounted on a green polished stone base.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Detail View 9
Detail View 10
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculptures
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleJapanese Folk Art
  • MaterialCedar, Wood, Stone
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsChiselled fur texture, Bear holding salmon, Polished stone plinth
  • SizeH 19.5 cm (8 in) x W 30.5 cm (12 in) x D 20 cm (8 in)

FAQs

Kibori Kuma refers to traditional Japanese carved wooden bears, a folk craft originating primarily in Hokkaido during the 1920s that typically depicts a bear holding a caught salmon in its jaws.

These sculptures are traditionally carved from native softwoods such as cedar or pine using specialized chisels to create detailed fur textures before applying dark stains or natural lacquer finishes.

Authentic pieces exhibit visible hand-tool marks, distinctive chiselled hair patterns, natural timber grain, appropriate age patina, and occasionally maker marks or regional stamps on the underside.

Place the sculpture on a bookshelf, mantelpiece, or console table alongside modern ceramics, books, or neutral decorative accents to introduce organic texture and natural warmth.

Dust the carving regularly with a soft dry brush, position it away from direct sunlight and heat radiators to prevent cracking, and apply a small amount of clear beeswax polish annually.
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