Old huge wooden carving of a bear from Hokkaido, Japan/Late 20th century

View Similar Items

20th Century Japanese Wooden Bear Sculpture

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Bat Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Quail Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Figural Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Old Wooden Netsuke Sculpture Japanese Fisherman Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Figural Figure Meiji Period 19/20th Century

Old Wooden Netsuke Japanese Frog Figure Meiji Period, 19/20th Century

Italy Late 20th Century Carved Wooden Elephant

Huge Chinese Carved Wood Statue of Guanyin Goddes Great Carving, 20th Century

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 21

Old huge wooden carving of a bear from Hokkaido, Japan/Late 20th century

Price:$1,562.01

$2,500List Price

About the Item

This is an extra-large wooden bear sculpture, likely created sometime after 1970. Wooden bear carvings once experienced a nationwide boom in Japan, especially during the 1960s and early 70s, as iconic souvenirs from Hokkaido. Although the trend gradually faded, the tradition continues quietly today, carried on by the hands of skilled artisans. Unlike the typical souvenir pieces, this particular work was carved as an art piece. The bear itself measures approximately 70 cm in width, 42 cm in depth, and 44 cm in height, and weighs a remarkable 21.65 kg even without the base. Sculpting a bear of this scale requires tools and techniques different from those used for smaller pieces, as well as the ability to carve while standing rather than seated. The high level of skill and experience required is evident throughout the piece. Rather than a fierce or intimidating expression, the bear has a gentle, approachable face. It seems almost as if it might begin strolling through the forest at any moment. The anatomical accuracy — from the musculature and bone structure to the flow of the fur — reflects a deep understanding of the bear’s form and movement, attainable only by someone with extensive experience carving such animals. The included wooden base is detachable. When placed on the base, the sculpture stands out as a formal piece of art. Without the base, it gives the impression of an animal calmly walking through your room. You can choose the display style that best suits your space. Please note there is a natural crack near the base of the bear’s rear left leg — visible in the photographs. As with most older wooden sculptures, there may also be minor scratches and small cracks caused by aging and drying. We hope you will appreciate these as part of the work’s character and charm. The artist’s name, “Yuji Ueyama,” is inscribed on the underside of the bear. Born in 1947 (Showa 22), Ueyama is an artist from the Asahikawa area of Hokkaido and has received numerous awards in his local region. His work stands at the crossroads of folk art and sculpture — a testament to both craftsmanship and artistic sensibility. I don’t usually stock wooden bear carvings, but I made an exception for this piece due to its outstanding realism and expressive, gentle presence. It’s a highly recommended item. Base dimensions: W 85 × D 46.5 × H 4.5 cm Base weight: 7.55 kg Item No.:sc119

Dimensions:
Height: 17.52 in (44.5 cm)Width: 27.68 in (70.3 cm)Depth: 16.54 in (42 cm)
Style:
Showa (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
Late 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
late 20th century
Condition:
There is a crack at the base of the left hind leg due to the natural wood. Please check the photo for details. There are also small scratches due to aging and small cracks due to drying.
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487245662822

More From This Seller

View All

Old Japanese wooden carved bear/animal figurine/Showa era

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a wooden bear, likely made during the Showa era in Japan. The industry of carving wooden bears in Hokkaido began to develop around the Taisho era as souvenirs. During the col...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Old Japanese wooden carved bear/animal figurine/Showa era

$1,500

Great Wood Carving Lion Figurine / 1868-1920 / Rare Item

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This looks like an old copperware, but it is a wood carving work. It is glossy because it is finished with black lacquer. It is a very delicate and beautiful sculpture. The expression of the lion is cool. Also, the sculpture on the tail is wonderful. It is thought that it was carved on wood such as Japanese cypress. The name of the engraver is also engraved. The name "Kichitaro" is engraved. I don't know the details of this person. There are also small cracks and defects. There is a loss in the lower part of his right ear and part of his tail. And there are lacquer cracks and wood cracks. This is an old one, so there is something like this. Also, in the case of Japanese and Chinese lions, a ball is attached to the left hand, but this is missing. However, it is a work that is quite impressive. It is a rare item...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Great Wood Carving Lion Figurine / 1868-1920 / Rare Item

$1,200

Antique Wooden Sculpture "Kobo Daishi" / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is an old Japanese "Kobo Daishi" wooden figure. "Kobo Daishi" means "Kukai". "Kukai" was a monk from the early Heian period. His posthumous name was "Kobo Daishi". He is the fou...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Cypress

Antique Wooden Sculpture "Kobo Daishi" / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period

$1,200

Antique Indian wooden elephant figurine/carved animal/circa 1920

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

I purchased this item directly. The purchaser said that it belonged to his late grandfather. His grandfather served as a marine from World War I to World War II, and apparently purch...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Antique Indian wooden elephant figurine/carved animal/circa 1920

$1,500

Old Japanese wooden rabbit figurine/20th century/carved animal

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a wooden rabbit made in the Taisho to Showa eras (20th century) in Japan. The sculptor's name is engraved on the bottom, and it seems to have been carved by a person named "O...

Category

20th Century Japanese Taisho Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Old Japanese wooden rabbit figurine/20th century/carved animal

$2,000

Old wooden sculpture by an unknown artist from Japan

Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba

This is a very old wooden sculpture. No details are known, but it was found in Japan. It appears to be based on a European female figure. So it is estimated to have been made afte...

Category

20th Century Japanese Primitive Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Old wooden sculpture by an unknown artist from Japan

$3,000

1990s Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Wooden Bear 1990s

$373

Carved Swiss Early 20th Century Bear

Located in Charleston, SC

Carved Swiss early 20th century bear.

Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Animal Sculptures

Carved Swiss Early 20th Century Bear

$3,400

20th Century Japanese Wooden Bear Sculpture

Located in High Point, NC

This 20th-century Japanese wooden bear sculpture is a stunning example of traditional artistry. Expertly carved from light, warm-toned wood, this...

Category

20th Century Japanese Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

20th Century Japanese Wooden Bear Sculpture

$395

Old Japanese Hokkaido Folk Crafts Large Wood Carving Sitting Bear

Located in Niiza, JP

Wood carving The material is unknown, but it is said to be linden 360(W)× 440(H) × 370(D) [mm] 13kg Estimate Packing Dimensions(Packaged in plywood and wooden frame) 40 CM × 55 CM ×...

Category

20th Century Japanese Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Old Japanese Hokkaido Folk Crafts Large Wood Carving Sitting Bear

$1,100

Carved Swiss Early 20th Century Bear

Located in Charleston, SC

Carved Swiss early 20th century bear.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pine

Carved Swiss Early 20th Century Bear

$2,800 Sale Price

33% Off

20th Century Japanese Wooden Bear Sculpture

Located in High Point, NC

This exquisite 20th-century Japanese wooden bear sculpture captures the essence of traditional craftsmanship and nature's raw beauty. Hand-carved...

Category

20th Century Japanese Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

20th Century Japanese Wooden Bear Sculpture

$595