ningon
Ningon refers to a type of Japanese folk art and craft, primarily associated with the production of small, intricately carved wooden figures. These figures are often stylized representations of animals, mythical creatures, or everyday objects. The craft traditionally involves skilled artisans using sharp knives to meticulously shape small pieces of wood, often from readily available local materials like pine or cedar. The resulting pieces are typically unpainted, allowing the natural grain and texture of the wood to be a prominent feature.
The origins of ningon are somewhat obscure, but it is believed to have developed in rural areas