Exclusive creative kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki - Christmas serie 2025

This kokeshi is part of the Christmas serie from Yuko Yamazaki for Kokeshiparadise, with a total of 8 pieces in the serie. All one of a kind pieces! 

This unique kokeshi by contemporary artist Yuko Yamazaki is part of her charming Christmas series, and is titled “Meeting – She meets her friends on the street corner.” The piece captures a quiet moment of warmth and anticipation, expressed through Yamazaki’s signature minimalist style and gentle emotional detailing.

Hand-carved and hand-painted, the figure wears a bright red hooded coat tied with a bow, paired with patterned green and gold winter attire and sturdy brown boots. Her softly closed eyes and serene smile convey a sense of peace and simple joy, as if she is pausing on a snowy street corner, waiting to greet familiar friends. The rounded form and smooth curves highlight the artist’s refined craftsmanship, while the subtle textures in the wood give the piece natural depth and character.

This kokeshi is not only a festive work but also a tender reflection of human connection—an intimate moment captured in wood. A delightful and rare addition to Yuko Yamazaki’s oeuvre, Meeting stands out as a poetic piece within her exhibited Christmas collection.

Meeting – She Meets Her Friends on the Street Corner”

Christmas Series Kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki

Height: 24,5cm

Weight: 900g

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