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

This expressive kokeshi doll, titled 「かぼちゃの精」 (Kabocha no Sei / Pumpkin Spirit), is part of the Halloween series by Yuko Yamazaki. The piece captures a gentle, folkloric interpretation of Halloween, blending traditional Japanese craftsmanship with playful autumn symbolism.

Carved from wood with clearly visible grain, the doll has a softly rounded, sculptural form that differs slightly from the classic straight-cylinder silhouette. The head and upper body are enveloped in a pumpkin-shaped hood, painted in warm, glowing shades of orange. Subtle green leaves near the crown reinforce the harvest theme and give the piece a lively, organic touch.

The doll’s serene face features closed eyes with delicately painted lashes and a small, peaceful smile. Straight black bangs frame the forehead, contrasting beautifully with the warm pumpkin tones. The expression conveys calmness and quiet contentment, embodying the idea of a benevolent “spirit” rather than a mischievous Halloween figure.

She wears a red patterned scarf tied at the neck, adding a cozy, autumnal feeling. Beneath the pumpkin cloak, hints of layered garments appear in red, muted blue, and natural wood tones. The lower portion transitions into carved legs or boots in warm brown, giving the piece a charming, slightly figurative presence compared to more abstract kokeshi forms.

The reverse side reveals the pumpkin fully realized as a jack-o’-lantern face—triangular eyes, a small triangular nose, and a wide grin with carved teeth. This duality is particularly delightful: from the front, she is a tranquil autumn spirit; from the back, she transforms into a cheerful Halloween pumpkin.

“Pumpkin Spirit” beautifully expresses Yuko Yamazaki’s talent for merging tradition with seasonal storytelling. It is both whimsical and refined—a handcrafted celebration of autumn that radiates warmth, charm, and gentle personality.

Height: 24,5cm

Weight: 810g

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