A vintage miniature folk craft represents a whimsical kappa (河童) a mythical water creature from Japanese folklore, carved in a playful and endearing omiyage style. Perched atop a wooden sake box (masu 升), the kappa figure features an oversized head with expressive, wide eyes and a mischievous smile. A bright blue spot on its head indicates its water-filled “dish,” a signature trait of the kappa that must remain full for the creature to retain its power.
The small figure wears a traditional yukata-like cloth wrap, giving it a festive charm often associated with regional souvenirs. The masu base is stamped with the characters 五合 (go-gō), a masu implies good fortune and often used during traditional ceremonies and sake drinking rituals representing hospitality, joy, and community.
Kappa are often seen as both mischievous tricksters and protectors of water sources. This omiyage craft hails from a hot spring town, where local legends of kappa are preserved.
