Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 6” Kiseru & Tabakobon With exception of signs of

With exception of  signs of past use

and with exception of minor sign of use

woodwork and paneling

jovial face wearing its characteristic wide grin and black cap (大黒頭巾)

The case and interior is all Sugi - Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria)

Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 6” Kiseru & Tabakobon With exception of signs ofThis vintage Japanese carving (mid late 20th century) was created by the indigenous Ainu people now mainly on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The Ainu people traditionally carved these Kubori Kuma for religious purposes revering the Bear as a deity. Tinted red on the head and neck. Salmon in mouth. This statue measures about 7" tall by 9" long by 6" wide. The carving shows some signs of wear but is overall in very good condition. Most likely