A soot sprite is a small, black, fluffy, and spherical creature from Studio Ghibli films like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. Also known as Susuwatari or Makkuro Kurosuke, they are depicted as living in old homes or working in spirit world locations, where they are associated with soot and magic. They move by hovering but can extend stick-like limbs to carry objects much heavier than themselves, and they are considered harmless and whimsical. 

I grew up watching all of the Studio Ghibli films so much so I am very fond of Soot Sprites. I bought this pair of earring from a friend of mine who has an earring business called Freckled Flower Club.