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

This kokeshi doll, titled 「イースターエッグ」 (Easter Egg) from the Easter series by Yuko Yamazaki, beautifully blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with Western springtime symbolism.

The doll features the classic kokeshi silhouette—cylindrical body and rounded head—with a serene, gently smiling expression. Her straight black bob frames her face evenly, and her softly blushed cheeks enhance her peaceful, almost prayerful demeanor.

She is dressed in a vibrant kimono decorated with large, colorful spring flowers in pink, blue, and red, set against warm yellow tones. The floral motifs evoke the freshness and renewal of spring. A green obi-style band wraps around her shoulders and upper body, adding contrast and grounding the lively design.

At the center of her kimono, she holds a woven basket filled with delicately patterned Easter eggs. Each egg is individually decorated with soft pastel hues and intricate designs, symbolizing care, tradition, and celebration. The basket represents her journey to church, carrying handmade Easter eggs as an offering—an image that gently merges Easter customs with the refined simplicity of kokeshi artistry.

The lower part of her body transitions into a soft green base, lightly adorned with subtle dotted accents, reminiscent of spring grass. The wood grain remains visible beneath the paint, honoring the natural material and traditional carving techniques.

Overall, “Easter Egg” expresses quiet joy, devotion, and the renewal of life, capturing the spirit of Easter through the calm elegance and warmth characteristic of Yuko Yamazaki’s work.

Height: 24cm

Weight: 740g

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