Unique Modern Sosaku kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki - With box

This charming kokeshi doll by Yuko Yamazaki, titled Odekake (“Going Out”), captures a quiet and tender winter moment. The figure represents a young girl stepping out on a cold winter day, wrapped warmly in her favorite red scarf. Her serene, gently smiling expression conveys a sense of calm anticipation, as if she is enjoying the crisp air and the simple pleasure of an outing.

She wears a black kimono adorned with vivid red winter camellia blossoms. The camellia, a flower that blooms during the colder months, symbolizes resilience and beauty in winter, perfectly complementing the theme of the piece. The rich red petals stand out strikingly against the dark background, creating a warm contrast that echoes the cozy comfort of her scarf.

Her neatly styled black hair, accented with a red camellia, frames her softly carved face. The natural wood grain remains subtly visible, adding warmth and authenticity to the handcrafted work. The base features elegant vertical stripes in warm tones, grounding the composition and adding a refined decorative touch.

Odekake beautifully expresses the quiet joy of going out on a winter day — a celebration of warmth, seasonal beauty, and simple everyday moments. 

Height: 23,5cm

Weight: 750g

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