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

 This charming kokeshi doll by Yuko Yamazaki comes from her Easter series and is titled 「ラブ ラビット」(Love Rabbit).

The doll depicts a serene young girl dressed in a beautifully patterned red kimono decorated with a diamond motif featuring cherry blossoms, small yellow chicks, and fresh green leaves — subtle references to spring and Easter. Her expression is gentle and peaceful, with softly closed eyes and a faint smile that gives her a warm, loving presence. She has straight, glossy black hair with neat bangs framing her rounded face in the traditional kokeshi style.

Cradled in her arms is a woven basket filled with her beloved Easter bunnies. One bunny rests peacefully with its eyes closed, while the other peeks out cheerfully, wearing a tiny blue bow tie. The soft pink blush on their cheeks adds a playful sweetness. The basket itself is finely detailed, with carved texture that enhances the handcrafted feel of the piece.

“Love Rabbit” beautifully captures the tenderness of springtime — a moment of quiet joy, companionship, and seasonal celebration. The combination of delicate carving, hand-painted details, and Yamazaki’s signature warmth makes this piece both heartwarming and collectible.

Height: 23cm

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