Ittabori Carvings
Japanese Antique Ainu Kibori Kuma Ittabori Carved Figures | Pair
Age:1920s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: Male- 7-1/2”h x 3-0”w x 2-1/4”d; Female- 7-1/2”h x 3-0”w x 2-1/2”d
The Ainu people arrived in Japan and immediately were surrounded by prejudice, survived through adaptation, resilience, and the sheer stubbornness of human will, and are equated to the Native Americans. These wood and enameled hand carvings from Hokkaido and similar to what is referred to as Ittabori, (one blade carved), and are very expressive and beautifully executed in ichii (Japanese yew). They are characteristically adorned in traditional clothing than typically worn by Japanese citizens. The most famous item, as you see depicted in these two figures is a coat-like garment called the "attus", and made from the bast fibers of a Japanese elm tree that is native to Hokkaido. All such garments focus attention on the representation of the stylistic decoration on the back and around the sleeves with graphic designs in navy and black applique and have deep, rich colors. Embroidery incorporated into the jackets is meant to ward off evil spirits. (The traditional garments of the Ainu were made of materials such as animal hides, fish skins, or cloth woven from the fibers of tree bark or grass stalks. When cotton became available through trade, the Ainu began to decorate clothes with cotton cloth strips or thread, and produce clothes primarily made of cotton. These traditional clothes are no longer worn in contemporary daily life. However, it is becoming more common to see traditional Ainu clothing at ceremonies and during song or dance presentations at events).
This rural craft carving of the Ainu Couple is referred to as Kibori Kuma and pictures a little bear in the wife's arms which represents their anchor to the past and their guide to the future. The fishing pole and the chum salmon held by Kato represent a good harvest. The couple is considered stalwart companions, representing the immutable spirit of an epic journey to carry on life. Old hand-carvings such as these are extremely rare, although still reproduced today using modern methods of carving and materials.
Antique Condition: Exceptional. “As is”, and retains the original craft/workmanship. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear, or structural damage was noted. Each is finished in a melted white wax is applied and polished with a dry cloth. The wax prevents the wood from cracking or getting dirty and effectively draws out the oiliness of the wood. These museum-quality figures are exceptionally rare, and only a few such figures are exhibited at the Hokkaido Museum in Japan and sought after by collectors of this form of folk craft.
HISTORIAL NOTE:
The Ainu are an indigenous people of Japan. “Ainu” means “human being” in the Ainu language. When the Meiji government brought Hokkaido into Japan’s domain, settlement and development had a drastic impact upon the Ainu ways of life and culture. In 2008, 140 years after the island's annexation and 109 years after they had their nationality taken away from them, Japan officially recognized the Ainu as an indigenous people. The Hokkaido Former Aborigines Protection Act of 1899 declared the Ainu to be Japanese people — banning the Ainu from speaking their language, practicing their religion, and partaking in Ainu cultural activities. The Ainu traditionally practiced animism, (the belief that all-natural phenomena, including human beings, animals, and plants, but also rocks, lakes, mountains, weather, and so on, share one vital quality—the soul or spirit that energizes them—is at the core of most Arctic belief systems), and had no written language. The Ainu traditionally practiced animism and had no written language. Facing these challenges, the Ainu have persevered, carrying on their cultural heritage to this day. Official figures suggest that there are 24,000 Ainu living in Japan today, many of mixed ancestry, many more in denial of their roots for fear of discrimination.
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