An omiyage (souvenir) folk craft from Shirakaba Lake (白樺湖), representing a "Yukinko" (雪ん子) — a snow child figure traditionally associated with Japan’s winter folklore. Carved from natural shirakaba (白樺), or white birch wood, the piece preserves the raw texture and bark of the tree, giving it a rustic, organic beauty.
The minimalist face of the child peeks from a diamond-shaped window, hand-painted in delicate strokes of red, black, and green, evoking a sense of warmth despite the wintry inspiration. The base features a simple pattern of woven textiles.
Yukinko figures often symbolize innocence, endurance, and the quiet resilience of life in snowy regions. This particular piece, with its striking vertical form and natural material, blends traditional craftsmanship with a modern sculptural sensibility — making it not only a nostalgic memento of the Shirakaba region but also a unique decorative object.
Ideal for collectors of regional Japanese folk crafts or those drawn to wabi-sabi aesthetics.
