Miniature Carved Wooden Bear with Contoured Grain

A small hand-carved wooden bear sitting upright with his paws resting in front, little rounded ears and a pointed snout. The carving brings out the wood's growth rings in dramatic concentric contours that swirl across the face, body and back, giving him a striking, almost topographic look. The grain is raised and textured, most likely from a brushed finish that wears away the softer wood, and the deep amber-brown tone looks lightly scorched or stained. He's lovely as a desk or shelf piece and fits easily between two fingers. Maker unmarked. He's in good condition.

Carved wooden bears are one of Japan's best-loved souvenirs, and the tradition began in Swiss style. On a trip to Europe in 1922, Tokugawa Yoshichika saw carved bears in Switzerland and brought the idea back as a winter side-job for farmers in Yakumo, Hokkaido. The first Hokkaido carved bear was exhibited there on 26 March 1924, which is now considered the birthday of the craft.