This striking Sasano Ittōbori Hawk 笹野一刀彫 鷹 is a traditional Japanese wood carving originating from Sasano in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture. Sasano Ittōbori is a historic folk craft believed to date back more than a thousand years. The name ittōbori means “carved with a single blade,” referring to the technique in which artisans shape the wood using decisive cuts from a single knife, giving the sculpture its bold, expressive texture.
The carving depicts a hawk (鷹, taka) perched upright on a simple wooden base. The bird is rendered with stylized yet detailed features: layered feathers carved into the wings, a sharply defined beak, and painted accents highlighting the eyes and talons. The elongated base and upright posture emphasize the hawk’s alert and dignified presence, while the visible knife marks reflect the handcrafted character typical of Sasano carvings.
The hawk is a powerful symbol of strength, vigilance, and good fortune. It is also associated with the auspicious phrase 「一富士二鷹三茄子」 (First Fuji, second hawk, third eggplant) a traditional motif believed to bring good luck when seen in the first dream of the New Year.
