人形・こけし
<Doll and Kokeshi>
雪焼けこけし
Yukiyake Kokeshi


古来、岩手県一関市周辺の人々は、永い冬暮しの間、炭焼きなどをし、春から秋にかけて、瑞山の宿場より剛力として須川温泉の湯治客の荷物を背負い険しい山道を往復して歩いていました。これらの人々の赤黒く雪やけした顔を想起し、その素朴な姿を原木を用いて表現したのが雪やけこけしです。材料は、ヤマザクラ、ケヤキ、エンジュなどです。濃いめの木目が美しく、幅広い雰囲気の空間に似合いそうです。
Yukiyake Kokeshi (雪焼けこけし) are traditional wooden dolls from the Tohoku region of Japan, particularly known for their distinctive sunburned appearance, which gives them a unique character. These dolls typically feature a round head and a simple cylindrical body. The creation process begins with selecting high-quality wood, commonly cherry or pine. Artisans carve the dolls using a lathe and then apply the yukiyake finish, which is achieved by carefully applying heat to the surface, deepening tones and mimicking sunlight or snow’s reflective warmth. Finish painting is minimalist—few brush lines, with a focus on wood tones and featuring subtle designs that often reflect local flora and fauna. Yukiyake Kokeshi are celebrated for their charm and craftsmanship, making them popular as decorative items and souvenirs.
