Modern Sosaku kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki is part of her Easter Series - With box

This charming kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki is part of her Easter Series and is titled 「夢たまご」 (Yumetamago), meaning Dream Egg.

The piece is shaped like a gently rounded egg, symbolizing new life and dreams. The front reveals a serene girl with softly closed eyes and a peaceful smile, evoking a sense of quiet contentment. She wears a green kimono adorned with delicate red blossoms, and her dark hair frames her face beneath a colorful hood.

The back of the kokeshi bursts into a lively spring scene. Brightly colored flowers in pink, red, and yellow bloom across the surface, interwoven with fresh green leaves. White rabbits-an unmistakable Easter motif—appears among the flowers, reinforcing the theme of renewal and springtime joy. 

The lower half of the figure is finished in a warm metallic gold tone, subtly decorated with fine engraved patterns, and rests on a matching wooden base. The natural wood grain remains visible throughout the piece, enhancing its handcrafted warmth and authenticity.

“Dream Egg” beautifully combines traditional kokeshi craftsmanship with playful Easter symbolism, creating a piece that expresses hope, renewal, and gentle happiness.

Height: 20,5cm

Weight: 810g

Yuko Yamazaki was born in 1956 in Tokyo, She was the apprentice of master Takashi Yoshida (1948-2007) She has clearly inherited his style, with her own experience and creativity she makes real masterpieces! Yuko already has a lot of awards behind her name! 

Yuko also is a Instructor of the Creative Kokeshi Classroom and she is a Member of Japan Creative Kokeshi Craft Association.

 Award History:

1999 - The National Modern kokeshi Exhibition, Tokyo Shimbun Award.

2003 - National Modern kokeshi Exhibition, Kokeshi crafts association Award.

2004 - The Minister of education award, in the National Modern kokeshi Exhibition (Harunoro).

2010 - The mayor of Maebashi prize, All Japan kokeshi contest 2010.

2012 - All japan kokeshi kojishi competition, Sennan Shinkin Bank prize. 

2018 - The Governor of Gunma Prefecture award, All Japan Kokeshi contest 2018.

2019 - All Japan kokeshi contest National Chamber of comemerce and industry award