**Guaranteed Authentic Japanese fine old handmade and hand-carved large-scale wooden carving of a bear Higuma, cryptomeria (cedar) wood and in large-scale, a large one 30 inches in length. Quality: Hand-carved with rich and deep realistic hair lines (photo). Fine and original patina from good age. It has been crafted in the Japanese old school craftsmen style- the Ittobori style (carved from one wooden piece) by the Ainu Peoples, Hokkaido region in northern Japan. Fine original quality. Dimensions: Big, 18 inches tall and 30 inches wide and 12 inches depth Handmade and hand-carved, one of a kind. History of the wood carvings of Ainu peoples: The Ainu minority people located in Hokkaido created a wood carving culture and export biness going back to the early 20th century. Many Ainu carved wooden statues in particular bears known as Higuma to sell as souvenirs. Until then, these bear carvings had only existed as religio objects, ually as headdresses and prayer sticks. History tells that during the early 20th century, a former bear hunter by the name of Umetaro Matsui ( 1901-1949) started carving bears in the town of Asahikawa after surviving an unfortunate run in with a bear. Provenance: Old Northern Japan collection. Lifetime guarantee of authenticity: All of our Asian works of art come with our Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee. We are members of the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA) specializing for ten years now in old and authentic Japanese stone garden ornaments. About & Your Guaranteed Satisfaction: