This is an old "Kuma-gane," a type of traditional craft called "Konosu no Akamono" from Saitama Prefecture, made in 1978. Unlike papier-mâché, nerimono is a craft made by hardening sawdust with glue. Konosu has records of producing toys with various motifs, not only local ones but also those commissioned from outside. In recent years, this technique has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Among these, the most famous is this "Kintaro Riding a Bear," commonly known as "Kuma-gane." While it seems to still be produced today, the painting, especially the facial expression, is exquisite and unique to vintage items. This vintage item was purchased around 2018 at "Bath House," the shop and office of "Swimsuit Department" in Kita-Aoyama, Tokyo. After purchase, it was kept in a dark corner of my living room (away from direct sunlight), so there is no subsequent sun fading or discoloration. However, please understand that as it is a vintage item, there may be minor scratches. Due to the nature of Konosu nerimono, there are some age-related cracks (especially at the bottom) and paint peeling in various places, but overall, there are no major damages. Dimensions are: width 65mm x depth 60mm x height 102mm. Please allow for slight errors as these are amateur measurements. The box is not included. As I personally like vintage furniture and used clothing, I have stored it alongside them, so those particularly sensitive to odors should be cautious when bidding. I do not smoke, so that should not be an issue. Steiff Folk Art Andy Warhol Quiltジャンティーク Mingei Eames Isamu Noguchi danese Antonio Vitali Shiro Kuramata Eames Swimsuit Department dieci Alexander Girard Tokyo 903 Kai Precog Studio Yoshitsugu Suzuki Jiro Hikima Sadao Kato Shigeyuki Shibasaki Kane Tenkura Teddy Bear Bruno Munari Sori Yanagi Taro Okamoto