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

This charming kokeshi doll, titled 「大きなかぼちゃ」 (“Okina Kabocha” / Big Pumpkin), is part of the Halloween series by Yuko Yamazaki.

The piece beautifully blends traditional kokeshi form with playful seasonal imagery. The doll features the classic cylindrical body and rounded head, crafted from wood with visible natural grain that enhances its warmth and authenticity.

Perched atop the doll’s head is a bright orange pumpkin cap carved and painted with a cheerful jack-o’-lantern face—triangular eyes, a small nose, and a wide, toothy grin. The pumpkin functions almost like a whimsical hat, instantly giving the piece its Halloween identity while maintaining a soft, friendly expression rather than anything spooky.

The doll’s face is delicately rendered with closed crescent-shaped eyes and a small, gentle smile, conveying calmness and sweetness typical of contemporary creative kokeshi. Her straight black bangs frame the forehead, while soft pink side panels suggest stylized hair ornaments or fabric accents.She wears a light blue kimono decorated with autumn motifs—most notably pumpkin patterns in warm yellows and oranges.

The obi (belt) is painted in a natural wood tone with fine line detailing, adding subtle contrast. The overall palette—soft blue, pumpkin orange, warm beige, and touches of pink—creates a harmonious balance between seasonal festivity and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

“Big Pumpkin” captures the spirit of Halloween in a uniquely Japanese way: cute, cozy, and artfully handcrafted rather than eerie. It is both a collectible art piece and a seasonal decorative object that radiates warmth and charm

Height: 26,5cm

Weight: 850g

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