Ainu Woodcraft: Ainu Patterns A fusion of intricate patterns and rugged form. Handmade. Looking at the back in the photo, you can see that it's shaped and smoothed with a small knife (makiri) and a flat chisel, rather than sandpaper. I actually like this aspect. This item has been stored for a long time. It has been kept for quite some time. The original owner of this piece had lived in an area where many Ainu people lived. When they left that area, they were given bear wood carvings, salmon wood carvings, and other items as parting gifts, which they treasured and displayed. It was stored in a corner of a large cabinet, where they displayed their cherished items. Of course, it was not exposed to direct sunlight. There is no surface coating of varnish, lacquer, or acrylic. It is a piece that has been carved as is. The wood itself has aged over time, so I have carefully and thoroughly cleaned it for this listing. Although it has only been stored, it is a hand-carved item with no surface coating. Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether it is "new," "like new," or "has scratches and dirt." I have listed it as "has scratches and dirt," but please enlarge the photos and examine the condition carefully. Please purchase it only if you are satisfied with the condition as you see it.