This Naruko kokeshi by Kazuo Sato 佐藤一夫 (1930–2009) reflects the quiet dignity and restrained elegance that characterized his work.
The doll features a softly rounded head with a calm, gently smiling expression. The narrow, slightly arched eyes and delicate mouth convey the warmth typical of Naruko tradition. The dark, simply painted hair contrasts beautifully with the natural grain of the wood.
Kazuo born on March 17, 1930, in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, as the eldest son of woodcarver Suekichi Sato, Kazuo grew up within a lineage connected to Naruko masters such as Matsusaburo Ito through family ties. After the war, around 1947, he began training under his father, carving mainly new-style kokeshi before eventually carrying on the family woodworking business after Suekichi’s death in 1960. He was introduced in publications such as Kokeshi Guide and Sansaisha Kokeshi, and also instructed Saito Sai in woodcarving. Influences from fellow craftsmen, including Takao Sakashita, further shaped his approach.
