For a plain white cotton shirt. A brooch that looks like it stepped straight out of a picture book.

Outside the window, a peaceful rural landscape stretches out. About an hour’s drive from central Sapporo, up a gently sloping hill, sits the workshop of “cupiporo.” Cupiporo means “moonlight” in the Ainu language. It’s an original lifestyle-goods brand built around the concept of “goods with a storybook-like narrative, meant to be read by moonlight.” Matryoshka dolls, brooches, keychains, and more — every piece carries a quiet, curious charm that goes well beyond simply being cute. The brand has reportedly built a following through solo exhibitions and shops in Tokyo too.

cupiporo, a graduate of art school with a background in copperplate printmaking and painting. The color palette and design balance of these brooches feel just right — undeniably cute. The muted, monochrome pieces have their own quiet charm, and even the more colorful ones stay in a restrained tone, avoiding anything too flashy, for a more grown-up impression.

Even the back of each piece is illustrated, a small detail that's sure to delight. Each one is handmade, starting with cutting a shape from a magnolia wood panel, then hand-painted and finished with a coat of resin. Being lightweight, they're easy to wear in all kinds of ways.

The most popular design varies depending on the shop or exhibition. Many pieces are modeled after northern animals like penguins and polar bears, each with its own humorous expression.

Pin one onto clothing or a bag as a styling accent. It would likely pair beautifully with a simple canvas tote too. The kind of piece you'll never tire of looking at — it just might become a new favorite.