✳︎ Otaka Poppo Red Hawk ⑤ ✳︎ Sasano Itto-bori ✳︎ Country of Manufacture: Japan (Yamagata) ✳︎ Material: Wood (Koshiabura) ✳︎ Craftsman: Era: Pre-war, Artist Name: Unknown ✳︎ Size: Approximately 18 cm in height Approximately 10 cm ※ Body only, not sold separately This <Otaka Poppo> was acquired from a folk toy collector. It is very old, and as such, it has paint scratches on the hawk's head, discoloration, and damage to the wings, which are characteristic of old items. Please understand this before purchasing. Sasano Itto-bori is a traditional craft of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Sasano Itto-bori, represented by the "Otaka Poppo," is a wooden carving toy that originated in the Sasano district of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is said that the roots of Sasano Itto-bori are in the Ainu techniques. The "Poppo" in Otaka Poppo means "toy" in the Ainu language. It has been cherished as a charm against evil and as a symbol of increasing fortune. The history of Sasano Itto-bori dates back over 1,200 years. It began with the encouragement of craft production as a side job for farmers during the winter, and Sasano Itto-bori became famous in the 17th century when Yozawa feudal lord Uesugi Yozan encouraged the production of crafts to rebuild the finances of Yonezawa City. Over a thousand years ago, it is said to have originated as a religious toy along with the Thousand-Armed Kannon, which was founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during his eastern expedition to pray for victory in battle. The material is wild wood called Koshiabura by the villagers, which is carved and scraped using unique tools called "Sarukiri" and "Chijire," and then colored. Its rustic and simple works have a certain style and have been loved by many enthusiasts. As a recommended product of Yamagata Prefecture, it has been exported to foreign countries and is very popular as souvenirs, commemorative gifts, housewarming gifts, and wedding gifts. [Sasano Carving Item List] Otaka Poppo (Guardian deity of prosperous business) Chicken (Early bird catches the worm) Ebisu Daikoku (Guardian deities of good fortune) Somin Shorai (Amulet for good health) Mochi-pounding Rabbit (Work hard like a rabbit) Turtle (Amulet for longevity) Kasa Kamuri (Working in agriculture wearing a straw hat) Owl (Bird that brings happiness) Mountain Bird Sasano Flower (God of fire prevention flower) Long-tailed bird Round Peacock Wagtail (Prosperity of descendants) Eto (Chinese Zodiac) and others ◎ ⤵︎ Search terms below #OtakaPoppo #SasanoIttoBori Ichiro Toda Kumatarō Takahashi Folk art Mingei (Folk Craft) Wood carving Fuku-kan (Lucky Can) #FolkToys Koppa Ningyo (Wooden doll) Kanpu Toda Miyanosuke Kato Sasano Itto-bori Kōkichi Katō Tatsuzo Jono folktoy Wood Uguisu (Woodpecker) Ainu carving Kezuri-kake (Shaved) Peasant art Kumatarō Takahashi Miyanosuke Kato