Exclusive Sosaku kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki - From Sibukawa exhibition 2025

This unique kokeshi doll by Yuko Yamazaki was her creation for the Sibukawa exhibition from november 2025!
She is a beautifully crafted and richly detailed kokeshi that embodies the elegance of traditional Japanese artistry. The doll features a serene, gentle expression with delicately painted facial details, capturing the calm and modest charm characteristic of Yamazaki’s work.

She is dressed in an intricately decorated kimono adorned with vibrant geometric and floral patterns in shades of red and earthy tones. The obi on the back is particularly striking, painted in warm green with repeating circular motifs that add depth and texture to the design. The patterns are finely executed, giving the doll a refined yet lively appearance.

Her hairstyle is sculpted with precision, featuring smooth black hair tied at the top with a red patterned bow. Viewed from above, the hair’s carved lines and the bow’s detailed surface reveal the artisan's careful craftsmanship.

Standing tall and gracefully balanced, this kokeshi blends traditional aesthetics with the personal, recognizable style of Yuko Yamazaki. It is a charming, high-quality piece that showcases both artistic skill and cultural heritage—an exceptional addition for collectors and admirers of Japanese folk art.

She is titled: 「吉兆」(kiccyo) -  What means something auspicious.KO
ZUCHI,OMIKUJI,ASANOHA.
She visits the shrine and makes a wish for the new year.She prays for everyone's happiness 😊

Height: 32cm

Weight: 1540g

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

Please always take a close look to the pictures to determine the condition of the kokeshi.