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

This delightful kokeshi doll by Yuko Yamazaki is part of her Easter series and is titled 「うさぎちゃん」(Usagi-chan), which means “Rabbit Girl.”

The piece portrays a sweet young girl dressed in a soft bunny costume, perfectly capturing the playful spirit of Easter. She wears a warm beige hood shaped like a rabbit’s head, complete with gentle ears and a tiny embroidered bunny face above her forehead. Beneath the hood, her straight black bangs frame her peaceful face. Her eyes are closed, and her subtle smile gives her a calm, tender expression — a signature feature of Yamazaki’s charming style.

Around her neck is a bright red bow that adds a cheerful accent, contrasting beautifully with the pastel tones of her outfit. Her kimono features a delicate diamond pattern in soft pink and light blue, reminiscent of decorated Easter eggs. A thin turquoise band separates the upper body from the lower section, adding balance and a fresh spring touch to the design.

Her hands rest demurely in front of her, enhancing her gentle and modest posture. The natural wood grain subtly shows through the paint, emphasizing the handcrafted warmth of the piece.

“Usagi-chan” beautifully embodies innocence, springtime joy, and playful imagination — a heartwarming celebration of Easter through Yuko Yamazaki’s refined craftsmanship and tender artistic expression.

Height: 23cm

Weight: 670g

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