青森県の伝統工芸品（弘前こけし・木地玩具）

可憐で愛らしい「弘前こけし」、なつかしさの中に工夫を重ねた「木地玩具」

東北地方の工芸品である伝統こけしは11系統に分類される。その中の一つ、津軽系こけしは、主に1本の木から作られる“作りつけ”という技法で作られ、髪型はオカッパ頭という特徴を持ち、黒石市、大鰐町、弘前市で作られるこけしの総称である。
明治時代から津軽地方内の木地師及び津軽と他県の木地師との交流が盛んに行われる中で、弘前こけしは津軽系こけしの中でも大鰐系の流れをくむものとして現在まで受け継がれている。
またこの地域ではこけし作りとともにこまやダルマなどの木地玩具も盛んに作られ、地域の人々に愛されている。


Sweet and adorable, “Hirosaki” Kokeshi Dolls are nostalgic yet innovative, Traditional Wooden Crafts

There are 11 types of traditional kokeshi dolls throughout the Tohoku region. One of those is the Tsugaru Kokeshi, which refers to all dolls produced in Kuroishi City, Owani Town, and Hirosaki City. Tsugaru Kokeshi differ from other types because they are made from a single piece of wood, using a technique called ‘tsukuritsuke”, and they have an ‘okappa hairstyle’ (bob cut).
During the Meiji period (1867-1911), wood carvers from the Tsugaru area met with those from outside of the prefecture, and from those meetings, the kokeshi doll has become what it is today. The Hirosaki Kokeshi doll is grouped in with the Tsugaru Kokeshi, which stemmed originally from the Owani Kokeshi, which is still produced today.
Along with Kokeshi dolls, popular woodcrafts include spinning tops and Daruma figurines, and these are loved by the people of the Tsugaru region.