Hand-Carved Wooden Snowy Owl Hanging Figurine

This item is a small, hand-carved wooden figurine of a snowy owl, functioning as an ornament or hanging decorative piece. Measuring approximately 3 to 4 inches in height, the owl is crafted from a light-toned wood, likely basswood or pine, which has been textured with repetitive vertical chisel marks to simulate feathers. The base color is a creamy off-white, accented with dark brown or black hand-painted ticking to represent plumage patterns. The facial features include small inset dark eyes and a prominent black beak. A notable feature is the handwritten inscription on the lower right flank that appears to read 'Québec 91', suggesting it was made in 1991 as a regional souvenir or craft piece. While the user context mentions 'Japan', the physical marking strongly points to a Canadian origin. The item includes a silver metallic hanging loop at the top. Condition appears excellent with no visible chips or cracks; the rough texture is intentional to the folk-art style. The craftsmanship shows consistent gouge work and a charming, stylized folk aesthetic characteristic of late 20th-century woodcarving.