✳︎Local Toy: Sasano Ittobori "Otaka Poppo" Red Hawk ✳︎Country of Origin: Japan (Yamagata Prefecture) ✳︎Material: Wood (Koshiabura) ✳︎Artisan: Pre-war <Meiji to early Showa periods> Miyanosuke Kato ✳︎Size: Height approx. 18-19 cm / Depth approx. 7 cm / Width approx. 5 cm This "Otaka Poppo" was acquired from a collector of local toys and is an old item. As such, it has characteristics of old items, including paint marks and holes on the hawk's head, faded colors, and damage to the feathers. Please purchase with the understanding that this is an antique toy. The Kato family (lineage of Miyanosuke Kato) has maintained the tradition of Sasano Ittobori, with their workshop located near Sasano Kannon-do. "Miyanosuke Kato" is a prestigious name passed down through generations. Notably, the sixth generation Miyanosuke Kato is recognized as a key figure who elevated Sasano Ittobori from a mere local toy to a highly artistic craft. Sasano Ittobori is a traditional craft passed down in the Sasano district of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Its history dates back over 1200 years. It is said to have originated as a devotional toy alongside the Senju Kannon, which was founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro for prayers of victory during his eastern expedition. It is a wood-carved toy passed down in the Sasano district of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. The craft began with the encouragement of handicraft production as a winter side job for farmers. This technique became famous when Uesugi Yozan, the lord of the Yonezawa domain in the 17th century, promoted the production of crafts to rebuild Yonezawa City's finances. The roots of Sasano Ittobori are also said to lie in Ainu techniques. "Poppo" in "Otaka Poppo" means "toy" in the Ainu language. It has been cherished as a good luck charm for warding off evil and "increasing prosperity." The material is a wild tree that locals call "Koshiabura." It is carved and colored using unique blades called "Sarikiri" and "Chijire." [List of Items] Otaka Poppo (Guardian deity of business prosperity) Rooster (Early rising brings a thousand ryo) Ebisu Daikoku (Guardian deity of good fortune) Somin Shorai (Amulet for freedom from illness and disaster) Rice-pounding Rabbit (Effort like a rabbit) Turtle (Amulet for longevity) Kasa Kamuri (Encouraging diligence in farming while wearing a straw hat) Owl (Bird that brings happiness) Mountain Bird Sasano Hana (Flower deity for fire prevention) Long-tailed Bird Maru Kujaku (Round Peacock) Sekirei (Prosperity of descendants) Zodiac and Others ◎⤵︎Search Terms Below #Otaka Poppo #Sasano Ittobori Mingei (Folk Craft) Fukukan (Lucky Can) #Local Toy Koppa Ningyo (Wood Chip Doll) Todakanpu Miyanosuke Kato Kokichi Kato Takayuki Kato Masaru Kato Takanobu Kato Shigeo Kato Yoshio Kato Tatsuzo Jono Kumataro Takahashi folktoy Kizusume (Wooden Bullfinch) Kezurikake (Shavings) Farmer's Art MUJI GINZA Atelier MUJI Ginza Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten