Carved and Painted Wooden Northern Cardinal Figurine

A vintage decorative figurine of a male Northern Cardinal, hand-carved from a single block of lightweight wood, likely basswood or pine. The piece measures approximately 5 to 6 inches in length. It features a vibrant, matte red monochromatic paint finish across the body, with a characteristic black 'mask' around the face and a mustard-yellow conical beak. The carving displays a folk-art style with visible tool marks that simulate feather textures along the wings and the tail. The bird is depicted in a horizontal, resting posture without legs, suggesting it was designed to sit flat on a mantel or shelf. Given the provided context of 'Japan,' this is a mid-century export item, likely dating from the 1950s to 1970s, which were popular as nature-themed home decor. The condition appears fair to good; there is visible paint thinning and slight wear at the tips of the crest and tail, revealing the pale wood underneath. The craftsmanship is utilitarian but charming, typical of mass-produced Japanese woodworking for the Western market. No visible maker’s marks or original foil stickers are present in this view, though they were commonly found on the base of such pieces.