Father's Day is nigh—and we'd like to share some Handsome Gift ideas for "Dear Ol' Dad."
Shown here, a hand-carved wooden bear from the island of Hokkaido, Japan. This northerly island is the most productive region in Japan for farming and fishing. But, during the cold winters (when farmers come-indoors for their seasonal hiatus), the people began carving such bears to keep busy and to provide an additional stream of income. These folk sculptures would be sold to Hokkaido's annual summer tourists—often Japanese visitors escaping the heat and humidity of Souther Japan. Such tourists come to Hokkaido seeking its cooler climes, enjoying its natural beauty, and experiencing the Ainu culture (which once dominated this area). As the bears became more popular, some of those farmers became full-time woodcarvers.
This handsome bear, dated 17 August 1979, is one of the larger specimens we've carried. His rich coloration helps accent the naturalistic texture of his fur and the fish's scales. Click on the photo to learn more about this handsome sculpture.
And, if you'd like to learn more about Hokkaido and its bear-carving, please CLICK HERE to see a post from earlier this year.
More Handsome Gifts for Father's Day tomorrow and in the days to come.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.