This elegant Naruko-style kokeshi was created by 須貝国男 (Kunio Sugai, born 1942), a respected craftsman of the Naruko tradition whose work carries the refined influence of the renowned Takagame lineage.
The doll features the classic Naruko silhouette with a rounded head, ringed shoulders, and a balanced cylindrical body. Its expression is gentle and serene, with softly curved eyes and a subtle smiling mouth that give the piece a calm and welcoming presence. The floral decoration flowing down the body is painted in vivid red and deep black brushstrokes, creating a striking contrast against the warm natural wood grain. The repeating stylized chrysanthemum-like motifs and carefully layered lines around the neck and base are characteristic elements of traditional Naruko craftsmanship.
Born in 1942 in Onikobe, Naruko, Miyagi Prefecture, Kunio Sugai entered apprenticeship in 1957 at the celebrated Takagame workshop, studying under Musashi Takahashi while receiving practical guidance from master craftsmen Takeo Takahashi and Shogo Takahashi. He initially specialized in turning wooden blanks for kokeshi production, gradually developing his own painting skills from around 1961 onward. In 1977, he established his own workshop near Naruko Country Club and began producing kokeshi independently under his own name.
Sugai’s works are admired for their balance between technical precision and warmth of expression. Rooted firmly in the Takagame tradition, his kokeshi preserve the graceful proportions and floral elegance associated with classic Naruko dolls while maintaining a lively handcrafted character.
