秋田こけし　絵付け体験！

2025年5月、秋田で開催された「これが秋田だ！食と芸能大祭典」にて、秋田県こけし工人会による絵付け体験に参加しました。

秋田のこけしには「木地山系」と「鳴子系本荘こけし」という2つの系統があります。木地山系は江戸末期から湯治場土産として作られ、後に川連で受け継がれた伝統工芸。一方、鳴子系本荘こけしは宮城県から伝わり、回すと音が鳴る頭部や井桁模様などが特徴です。

体験では、職人・藤原 勝郎さんのご指導のもと、顔や胴体のデザインを筆で描き、髪飾りまで丁寧に仕上げました。その後、水で滲まないように、蝋を塗り込んで、絵付けは終了となります。目の描き方や模様の配置ひとつで印象が変わるため、繊細さと集中力が求められました。

最後に日付と名前を刻み、世界に一つだけの自分のこけしが完成。伝統と個性が融合した体験から、工芸の奥深さとその魅力を改めて感じました。

また、二月には、犬っこまつりが湯沢市で行われ、展示と体験が行えると教えていただきました。

秋田を訪れた際は、ぜひこの貴重な体験をおすすめします！！

In May 2025, the Akita Kokeshi Craftsmen's Association participated in the "This is Akita! Food and Entertainment Grand Festival," I participated in a painting experience by the Akita Kokeshi Craftsmen's Association.

There are two types of Kokeshi dolls in Akita: ”the Kijiyama lineage” and ”the Naruko lineage Honjo Kokeshi dolls”. The Kijiyama lineage is a traditional craft that has been made since the end of the Edo period as a souvenir of therapeutic baths, and was later passed down in Kawatsure. On the other hand, the Naruko-style Honjo Kokeshi dolls originated in Miyagi Prefecture and are characterized by their heads that make a sound when turned and their well-shaped patterns.

During the hands-on experience, under the guidance of craftsman Katsuro Fujiwara, participants painted designs on the face and body with a brush and carefully finished the hair ornaments. After that, the painting process was completed by applying wax so that it would not be blotted out by water. The artist's delicacy and concentration were required, as the impression would change depending on the way the eyes were drawn or the placement of the pattern.

Finally, the date and name were engraved, completing a one-of-a-kind Kokeshi of one's own. The experience, a fusion of tradition and individuality, reminded us of the depth of the craft and its appeal.

We were also informed that the Inukko Festival will be held in Yuzawa City in February, where we will be able to exhibit and experience Kokeshi dolls.

I highly recommend this valuable experience when you visit Akita.