Recently purchased from a fine Florida estate is this a signed Vintage Shou-Sugi-Ban Japanese Tanuki hand-carved wooden figure of a Bear.  Shou Sugi Ban is an ancient Japanese technique of charring wood, traditionally cedar, for preservation.  The wood is burned, then often brushed and oiled, resulting in a unique, durable finish.  It measures 3" high, 2-1/4" wide, 2" deep.  Artist signed, as seen in photo.