This sōsaku kokeshi, titled 《雅の里》— “Miyabi no Sato” (Village of Elegance), beautifully reflects the refined, lyrical aesthetic that defines the work of master carver Satō Suigai (1920–).
The doll features Suigai’s signature serene expression: slender closed eyes, a single red dot adorning the lips, and a face carved with soft curvature that imparts a sense of quiet inner peace. Her hair, finished in deep lacquered black and sculpted into a rounded, voluminous coiffure, frames the face in a way that enhances her demure beauty.
The body is richly painted in a warm, vivid red—Suigai’s favored palette for evoking elegance and warmth. Covering the kimono are large, hand-painted peony blossoms (botan), rendered in soft yellows and muted pinks with delicate shading. Peonies in Japanese art symbolize prosperity, beauty, and dignity, perfectly aligning with the concept of “雅—miyabi,” the classical Japanese ideal of grace and courtly refinement.
Suigai’s hallmark technique is visible in the fine outlining, translucent layering of colors, and the subtle gradation that allows the wood grain to remain part of the artwork. Even the underside carries his expressive signature, confirming the doll’s authenticity and the artist’s commitment to craftsmanship.
This piece is a poetic example of Suigai’s ability to blend traditional feminine motifs with the expressive freedom of sōsaku kokeshi. “Miyabi no Sato” feels like a warm, nostalgic portrait of a graceful figure standing in a tranquil, flower-filled village of old Japan.
Size: 10 x 10 x 20cm
