Sasano Ittobori

Yonezawa wood carving craft created by a single sword
Sasano Ittobori, which has been passed down in the Sasano district of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a traditional technique of carving wood with a single large knife called a sarkiri. The material used here is Kosiabura wood, locally known as Ablanco, and its softness creates beautiful curls and a rustic texture. The representative ``Otaka Poppo'' began in the Edo period when Yozan Uesugi, the lord of the Yonezawa domain, promoted it as a side job for farmers during the winter, and it has been popular as a talisman to ward off evil spirits and as a lucky charm that will increase your stipend. The rustic, strong and warm shapes continue to convey the lifestyle and culture of Yonezawa.