This little wooden bird charm, known as a "Ki-uso" (木うそ), is a folk craft rooted in deep cultural symbolism and Shinto tradition. The word "uso" (鷽) refers to a real bird species in the finch family, somewhat similar to a bullfinch, known for its rounded body and pleasant song. However, in Japanese, “uso” is also a homonym for “lie,” which makes this object a charming symbol of transformation and good fortune.
Carved from ho-no-ki (ホオノキ, Japanese magnolia wood) using a chisel and colored in a simple, stylized form, this small sculpture is both rustic and full of character. The curly wooden shavings mimic feathers or wings, giving it a light, playful feel.
According to legend, during a construction project at Tenmangū shrines, a swarm of bees threatened the workers—until a flock of uso birds came and drove them away. From then on, the bird came to be revered as a divine protector.
The Ki-uso is especially associated with the “Uso-kae” (鷽替え) ritual, held on the night of January 7th at various Tenmangū shrines across Japan. During this ritual, people gather in the dark and secretly exchange wooden uso birds. If you are lucky enough to receive a rare “golden uso” (金うそ), it's said that great fortune will come your way in the year ahead. The ritual symbolizes exchanging past lies or misfortunes for truth and luck.
