Shōji Suzuki (鈴木昭二, 1927–2015) born in 1927, Suzuki hailed from a lineage of kokeshi craftsmen. He honed his skills under the mentorship of his father, Kiyoshi Suzuki (鈴木清), and Yoshisuke Azuma (我妻吉助), both esteemed figures in the kokeshi community. Suzuki’s work is characterized by the Sakunami style, originating from the Sakunami hot spring region in Miyagi Prefecture. This style is noted for its slender bodies and minimalist facial features, often adorned with traditional motifs such as chrysanthemum designs. Suzuki’s dolls are celebrated for their elegant simplicity and adherence to traditional aesthetics. The doll has a rounded head with hand-painted delicate facial features, including softly curved eyebrows, gentle black eyes, and a small red mouth, giving it a warm and slightly mischievous expression. The black hair strokes are bold and stylized, adding character to the piece. The cylindrical body is decorated with red and black horizontal bands, a classic motif often seen in traditional and creative kokeshi designs. The central portion features golden floral patterns, painted in a delicate, abstract manner, adding elegance and depth. Shōji Suzaki was known for blending traditional kokeshi elements with a modern, creative touch, making each of his pieces unique. This particular kokeshi showcases his talent for balancing simplicity with intricate details.
