Item Description: This is a striking wooden sculpture of a Blakiston's fish owl (シマフクロウ), crafted using the traditional itto-bori (一刀彫) technique by the artist Kyokuho (旭峰). The owl is depicted with its wings fully spread, showcasing intricate feather details and a lifelike expression. This sculpture captures the majestic presence of the Blakiston's fish owl, a species native to Hokkaido, Japan. The attention to detail and the skillful carving technique make this piece a stunning work of art. Size: Height: 43 cm Width: 33 cm Artist Profile: Kyokuho (旭峰) is an artist renowned for his wood carvings, especially using the itto-bori technique. This method involves carving the sculpture from a single block of wood with swift, decisive cuts, giving the piece a dynamic and lifelike quality. Kyokuho's works often depict animals and natural subjects, reflecting his deep appreciation for the natural world. Artist Profile: The artist, whose identity is marked by the inscription on the back, hails from the Akan region, a place known for its deep-rooted Ainu traditions and skilled artisans. This sculpture is a testament to the artist's expertise in traditional Ainu carving techniques and their dedication to preserving Ainu cultural heritage. What's Ainu? The Ainu are an indigenous people from Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, as well as parts of Russia's Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands. They have a distinct language, culture, and traditional way of life, characterized by fishing, hunting, and gathering. Historically, the Ainu faced discrimination and assimilation policies but have recently seen efforts towards cultural revival and recognition of their rights. NOITICE The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.