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Kokeshi dolls are one of the representative traditional crafts of the Tohoku region .
It is a craft that has spread over a fairly wide area, with at least one unique style existing in every prefecture in the Tohoku region
This time, we've taken a closer look at "Togatta Kokeshi," a type of kokeshi doll that developed primarily around Togatta Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture
What is a Kokeshi doll?
Kokeshi dolls are wooden toys made primarily by woodworkers called "kijishi," who lived in mountain villages and made bowls , trays, and other items using a potter's wheel to make a living. They were made to be toys for their own children or to sell as souvenirs to visitors of nearby hot spring resorts.
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum | Kokeshi exhibits by genre
It is said to have originated around the end of the Edo period, and is generally divided into the following 12 types based on its place of origin and characteristics
Tsugaru style(around Hirosaki City and Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture)
Southern type(around Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture)
Kijiyama Mountain Range(around Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture)
Naruko style(around Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Sakunami style(around Sakunami Onsen, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture)
Kokeshi dolls have many other names, such as kideko , dekoroko , kogesu , kiboko , and even kogehouko , kinakinabokko , and odekosamaきでこ
There are various theories about where the name "kokeshi" originally came from
The evolution of the plague-repelling toy, the Yokeshi
Changes in Koge (piece of wood) and Hohoko (doll)
The meaning of "burnt wood"
A dialectal name for Okeshi, a small doll that was popular during the Edo period
There are several theories, such as the above. Each theory has a certain degree of persuasiveness, and it is thought that the other names mentioned above are names based on their origins, which have been changed by mixing in local accents
Although kokeshi dolls were called by completely different names in various regions, in 1940 (Showa 15), the Tokyo Kokeshi Association held its"1st Local Gathering - Naruko Convention," where many people involved, including kokeshi craftsmen and enthusiasts, gathered and decided to standardize the name to the three hiragana characters "kokeshi." Since then, they have been called "kokeshi" in all regions.
Togatta-style kokeshi dolls developed in Togatta Onsen
One of the 12 kokeshi doll styles, the Togatta-style kokeshi, which developed around Togatta Onsen in Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture, is considered to be the oldest in terms of origin, and it is even said that kokeshi dolls themselves originated in Togatta .
Togatta style kokeshi dolls
The head is large, and"tegara"that runs from the top of the head and forehead to the ears. The body is decorated with overlapping chrysanthemums, plum blossoms (which are variations of chrysanthemums), cherry blossoms, well frames, and wood grain patterns, and sometimes peonies, butterflies, pine needles, or irises are depicted as accents on the back.
Kokeshi spot in Togatta Onsen, the home of Togatta Kokeshi dolls
Around Togatta Onsen, there are several spots related to kokeshi dolls, such as the " Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum ," which boasts a collection so extensive it could be called a kokeshi museum, and the " Shinchi settlement ," which is said to be the birthplace of Togatta kokeshi dolls
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
The Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum, which opened in 1984, displays approximately 5,500 traditional kokeshi dolls and wooden toys from all over Japan, including the traditional Togatta kokeshi dolls, categorized by style.
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
In addition to the many exhibits, you can also watch a kokeshi craftsman demonstrate how to turn a kokeshi doll on a potter's wheel, and try your hand at painting a kokeshi doll
Kokeshi dolls at Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
The museum's shop sells traditional Togatta kokeshi dolls made by artisans, kokeshi-related products, and Zao-sama goods, and the facility also hosts irregular kokeshi-related events
Giant kokeshi doll at the entrance to the Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum
It is located on a side road off National Route 457, but you will easily find it as there is a giant kokeshi doll at the entrance, a staple of Kokeshi no Sato
Behind the facility is a walking path called "Kokeshi no Michi" (Kokeshi Path ), and after walking about 400 meters, you will reach the Shinchi settlement, the birthplace of Togatta kokeshi dolls, which will be described later
Shinchi village has only residential roads and no parking lots. If you want to explore Shinchi village, we recommend using the parking lot at Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum and walking along this promenade
Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Museum <Information>
Name: Zao Town Traditional Industry Hall (Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Hall)
Shinchi Village, the birthplace of Togatta Kokeshi dolls
If you head a little south from Togatta Onsen along National Route 457 towards Shiroishi City, you will find the Shinchi settlement, which is said to be the birthplace of Togatta Kokeshi dolls .
A sign in Shinchi village in Togatta Onsen, the birthplace of Togatta-style kokeshi dolls
There is the Korechika Shrine, which enshrines Prince Korechika , who is said to be the ancestor of woodturners , and a cluster of kokeshi doll makers' houses are scattered along both sides of a single road.
Shinchi village in Togatta Onsen, the birthplace of Togatta-style kokeshi dolls
It is possible to purchase kokeshi dolls made by each craftsman directly, and although inquiries are required, you can also watch kokeshi dolls being turned on the potter's wheel and try painting them at some of the craftsmen's homes
Koretaka Shrine, dedicated to Prince Koretaka, who is said to be the ancestor of woodworkers
Koretaka Shrine is a shrine located in the Shinchi settlement, which is said to be the birthplace of Togatta kokeshi dolls, and is also known as the Kokeshi Shrine
The entrance to Koretaka Shrine in Shinchi village
The enshrineddeity, Prince Korekata,was the eldest son of Emperor Montoku, the 55th emperor, but he became embroiled in political struggles and left the capital city of Kyoto without ever ascending to the throne.
He is said to have taught woodworking techniques to the local residents while living in seclusion in the mountainous region, and is also credited with inventing the lathe, which is why he is consideredthe founder of woodworking.
As for the origin of the name "kijishi," in addition to the fact that it refers to artisans who process wood, there is also a theory that it comes from the name of the Ki clan, which was Prince Koretaka's maternal lineage
Torii gate of Koretaka Shrine in Shinchi village
In addition to Koretaka Shrine, Yamagami Shrine, Furumine Shrine, and Inari Shrine are also enshrined here
The main hall of Koretaka Shrine in Shinchi village
There are four shrines enshrined here, including the shrine that is enshrined here. Every year at the beginning of the new year, a ritual is held to cut the first kokeshi doll, and the completed kokeshi doll is dedicated to Koretaka Shrine
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
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