Unique Modern Sosaku kokeshi by Yuko Yamazaki - With box

This kokeshi doll by Yuko Yamazaki, titled 「新春」 (Shinshun), meaning “Happy New Year,” beautifully captures the spirit of renewal and celebration.

The doll features a serene young girl with softly closed eyes and a gentle smile, conveying warmth and quiet joy. She tenderly cradles a small puppy in her arms, symbolizing affection and good fortune. Her kimono is painted in vibrant red with vertical stripes and is adorned with circular motifs representing the Japanese zodiac animals, a traditional symbol of the New Year and the passage of time through the twelve-year cycle.

The finely carved black hair is styled smoothly, gathered at the back with a striking red-and-natural wood striped bow, adding a festive touch. The detailed woodgrain visible throughout the piece enhances its warmth and craftsmanship.

Shinshun is a charming and celebratory work that combines traditional symbolism with Yamazaki’s gentle, expressive style, making it a joyful tribute to the New Year

Height: 25cm

Weight: 780g

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