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Kogin embroidery is a traditional embroidery technique passed down in Aomori Prefecture. It is a traditional technique that has been passed down by farming women since the Edo period. Did you know that this Japanese embroidery, Kogin embroidery, is secretly becoming a hot topic right now?
Kogin embroidery is secretly becoming a hot topic among young women as it is considered "cute." This time, we will introduce you to Kogin embroidery!
What is Koginzashi?
Kogin embroidery is one of the three major sashiko techniques in the Tohoku region, along with Nanbu diamond embroidery and Shonai sashiko. So how did Kogin embroidery come about, and what are its characteristics?
The history of Koginzashi
Aomori Prefecture is located in the northernmost part of Tohoku. Cotton cannot be cultivated in the Tsugaru region, so cotton products have to be
Furthermore, in 1724, the Farmers' Frugality Law was issued, which prohibited farmers from using cotton for work or everyday clothing. The only fabric available in the Tsugaru region was breathable linen, which was not enough to survive the frigid winters of Aomori.
So, the farming women came up with the idea of embroidering on linen to fill in the gaps in the fabric. If the gaps in the coarse fabric of linen could be filled in, warm air could be trapped inside the clothing. This was the beginning of Kogin embroidery.
"Kogin" originally meant work clothes. Today, Kogin embroidery, which is a cute and luxurious item, was born as a way of survival.
Types of Kogin embroidery
Nowadays, Kogin embroidery is often used on small items, but its original purpose was to improve clothing to make it stronger and warmer. It is said that there are three types of Kogin embroidery clothing that remain from that time: Higashi Kogin, Nishi Kogin, and Sanshi 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
Three-striped Kogin was produced mainly in Goshogawara City, downstream of the Iwaki River. It is a vivid Kogin embroidery with three white stripes on indigo-dyed cloth. There are few pieces remaining from that time, making it a valuable work.
If you want to see Kogin embroidery works, go around craft stores
Museums that exhibit Kogin embroidery works are great, but if you want to learn more about Kogin embroidery, the best place is a regular craft store! Originally, this embroidery technique was developed as a technique for farming clothes, so the works that are closer to everyday life are closest to 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 a long time. Due to its cuteness, it is currently experiencing a boom, especially in small items. If you are hooked on Kogin embroidery, why not visit Hirosaki City in search of its roots? Once you learn about its history, you may become even more captivated by its depth!
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!
