人形・こけし
<Doll and Kokeshi>
南部系覚平こけし
Kakuhei Kokeshi


南部系こけしは、東北地方に古くから伝えられたロクロ挽きの可愛い郷土人形です。首がはめこみ式で、頭がくらくら動き、すこぶる運動的なのが特徴です。覚平型、要吉型、与始郎型、セン型等、いろいろな型のある伝統こけしで51種類あります。こけしの材料には、ミズキ、イタヤ、桜が使用されます。
Kakuhei Kokeshi (南部系覚平こけし) are traditional wooden dolls from the Kakuhei region in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Known for their distinctive, elongated shapes and delicate craftsmanship, these dolls typically feature a round head and a narrow body, often painted with intricate patterns and floral motifs. The creation process begins with turning the wood, usually from local trees like cherry or pine, on a lathe to achieve the desired form. After shaping, artisans hand-paint the dolls using natural pigments, focusing on fine details and vibrant colors. Kakuhei Kokeshi are valued for their aesthetic beauty and represent the rich folk art heritage of the Tohoku region.
