This is a vintage handmade Japanese folk art sculpture, depicting a whimsical kappa, a creature from Japanese folklore, riding on the back of a turtle. The figure constructed from natural materials such as shells, creating a rustic and earthy charm. The kappa holds a fishing rod with a small fish attached, emphasizing its connection to water and its playful or mischievous nature.
The pairing of the kappa, a water spirit, with the turtle, a creature that lives in both water and on land, symbolizes the connection between the two realms. It can represent balance and coexistence. In some interpretations, kappa riding turtles could symbolize the guardianship of water sources and aquatic life.
