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Miyagi Prefecture is known as the kingdom of ingredients, and is famous for a variety of foods, including beef tongue, rice, zunda (red soybean paste), sasakama (bamboo shoots), and seafood. However, did you know that the prefecture is also well-known for its crafts, such as kokeshi dolls?
Miyagi crafts, including kokeshi dolls, Sendai chests, and Sendaihira, are of such high quality that they are attracting attention nationwide!
The "Shino Bamboo Crafts" we will introduce today are one such Miyagi Prefecture craft. Located in Iwadeyama, Osaki City, in northern Miyagi Prefecture, Shino Bamboo Crafts has been passed down for over 300 years!
In this article, we will introduce you to the Bamboo Craft Museum, where you can see Iwadeyama bamboo crafts and the artisanal techniques up close!
What is "Shino Bamboo Crafts," a traditional craft that has been passed down since the Edo period?
Iwadeyama, located in Osaki city in northern Miyagi prefecture, is an ancient capital where Date Masamune lived before becoming the lord of the Sendai domain
Around 1720, Date Murayasu, the lord of Iwadeyama Castle at the time, invited artisans from Kyoto to encourage the creation of a certain craft as a handicraft for his retainers. This was the "Shino Bamboo Crafts."
Compared to regular bamboo crafts, Shino bamboo crafts are made using thinner Shino bamboo, resulting in a delicate and beautiful finish. Although thin, it is resilient and flexible, so it boasts high quality that is comparable to regular bamboo crafts in terms of strength
The bamboo used for the bamboo is collected every December before the snow sets in. The harvested bamboo is split lengthwise into four pieces, the bark carefully removed, and processed into strips called "hege."
The materials produced in this way are then painstakingly and meticulously woven together to create the delicate and beautiful bamboo crafts
Wouldn't you like to experience this craftsmanship for yourself? In fact, there is a facility in Iwadeyama where you can see Hashino bamboo crafts up close!
See artisans at work up close at the Osaki City Bamboo Crafts Museum!
"I want to see Shino bamboo crafts up close!" "I want to appreciate the beautiful Shino bamboo crafts made by artisans!" For those of you who want to do this, we recommend the Bamboo Crafts Museum .
The Bamboo Craft Museum is a facility where artisans demonstrate bamboo craftsmanship. It also sells everyday bamboo crafts such as bamboo baskets and rice ball plates, making it a great place to look for souvenirs!
As soon as you step inside, you'll be greeted by the armor and helmets of warlords. Surrounded by the armor and helmets, there is one lone human sculpture: that of our own Date Masamune. This is unique to Iwadeyama, Masamune's former castle!
In the spacious space at the back, you can take your time to watch the craftsmen weaving bamboo baskets at a rapid pace. If you look up from there, you'll notice that the lampshades are also made of bamboo!
At this bamboo craft museum, various things are made from bamboo!
The most eye-catching feature is the automatic musical instrument made from bamboo
The title of the piece is "Bamboo Ensemble." The melody that is produced by blowing wind on the regularly-spaced bamboo is mysteriously soothing. If you're visiting the Bamboo Craft Museum, be sure to take the time to listen carefully
In addition to traditional bamboo crafts, the museum also displays modern works and objects that combine glass and ceramics. There are also workshops where you can experience making your own unique bamboo crafts
If you're in Iwadeyama, be sure to stop by the Bamboo Craft Museum, where you can experience the charm of bamboo up close!
summary
Bamboo crafts have been passed down since the Edo period
Its thin and delicate appearance is contrasted by its strong and flexible construction, and its profound charm can be understood not only by looking at it but also by actually using it. The Osaki City Bamboo Crafts Museum sells bamboo crafts as souvenirs, and there are several bamboo craft shops lined up in Iwadeyama
Why not stop by and check out the various shops and purchase your favorite bamboo crafts?
Osaki City Bamboo Crafts Museum <Information>
Name: Osaki City Bamboo Crafts Museum
Address: 115 Iwadeyama Ninokame, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-6435
A thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter. A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair! I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!
