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embroidery technique passed down in Aomori Prefecture. traditional Did you know that this traditional Japanese embroidery, Kogin embroidery, is quietly gaining popularity?
Kogin embroidery is quietly gaining popularity among young women for its cuteness. This time, we'll introduce you to Kogin embroidery!
What is Koginzashi?
Kogin embroidery is one of the three major sashiko embroidery techniques of the Tohoku region, alongside Nanbu Hishizashi and Shonai Sashiko. So, how exactly did kogin embroidery originate, and what are its characteristics?
The history of Koginzashi
Aomori Prefecture, located in the northernmost part of Tohoku, is a region where cotton cannot be cultivated in the Tsugaru area. Therefore, it had to be imported from other regions. Consequently, cotton products were inevitably expensive.
Furthermore, in 1724, the Farmers' Austerity Order was issued, prohibiting farmers from using cotton for work clothes or everyday wear. The only fabric available in the Tsugaru region was breathable hemp. This was not enough to survive the harsh winters of Aomori.
So, the farm women came up with the idea of filling in the weave of the linen fabric by embroidering it. If the coarse weave of the linen fabric was filled in, it would trap warm air inside the garment. This was the beginning of Kogin embroidery.
"Kogin" originally referred to work clothes. Today, kogin embroidery, a cute and luxurious item, originated as a practical tool for survival.
Types of Kogin embroidery
While kogin embroidery is now often used on small items, its original purpose was to improve clothing, making it more durable and warmer. It is said that there are three types of kogin embroidery that remain from that time: Higashi Kogin, Nishi Kogin, and Sanshima Kogin.
Higashi Kogin
Higashi Kogin is a type of Kogin embroidery made on the eastern side of the Iwaki River. It is embroidered on cloth woven with thick, rough linen thread
Nishi Kogin
Nishi Kogin is a style of Kogin embroidery on the west side of the Iwaki River. It is an intricate style of Kogin embroidery with patterns embroidered on cloth woven with thin ramie threads
Three-striped Kogin
Mishima Kogin embroidery originated in Goshogawara City, located in the lower reaches of the Iwaki River. It features three vibrant white stripes on indigo-dyed fabric. Few examples remain from that era, making it a valuable and rare craft.
If you want to see Kogin embroidery works, go around craft stores
Museums showcasing Kogin embroidery works are nice, but if you want to learn more about Kogin embroidery, a regular craft store is the best place! Since this embroidery technique originally developed as a method for applying embroidery to farmers' work clothes, works that are closer to everyday life are the ones that truly capture the essence of Kogin embroidery.
Here we will introduce some handicraft exhibitions where Kogin embroidery works are displayed and sold
Shimaya
A handicraft store located in the city center around Hirosaki Castle There are many samples of Kogin embroidery works on display Samples of fabric and thread combinations are also on display, so it is recommended for those who want to try Kogin embroidery
Shimaya <Information>
Name: Shimaya
Address: 13-1 Momoishicho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-8035
This is a handmade goods store that sells Kogin embroidery pieces In addition to Kogin embroidery, they also sell Tsugaru lacquerware, so if you're looking to buy some small items as souvenirs from Hirosaki, be sure to stop by the store
Tsugaru Kobosha <Information>
Name: Tsugaru Kobosha
Address: 52 Motodera-cho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-8355
There is a corner selling Mokogin embroidery within Tsugaru Neputa Village, a tourist facility that conveys the traditions of Hirosaki Here you can also see demonstrations by artisans and learn about the different types of Kogin embroidery
Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village <Information>
Name: Tsugaru Domain Neputa Village
Address: 61 Kamekocho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, 036-8332
Kogin embroidery is a traditional embroidery technique that has been passed down in Hirosaki for centuries. Its charming designs have made it a popular trend, especially for small accessories. If you've fallen in love with kogin embroidery, why not visit Hirosaki City to explore its roots? Learning about its history might just make you even more captivated by its depth!
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