Tsugaru Kokeshi
(Nuruyu Style)
津軽こけし
"It amazes me how such common Japanese dolls have such interesting variants.
-Matas Juknelis
"It amazes me how such common Japanese dolls have such interesting variants.
-Matas Juknelis
https://kokeshijapan.com
Kokeshi are unique wooden toys that originated and grew only in the Tohoku region.
The shapes and patterns differ depending on the place of origin, and currently, there are 11 types throughout the Tohoku region.
Nuruyu style of Tsugaru Kokeshi dolls is one of many, uniquely distinguishing itself from others.
Kokeshi in other prefectures were made strictly following traditions under the apprenticeship system. Tsugaru kokeshi, originating from the Tsugaru region of Aomori Prefecture, have a history rooted in local artistry and cultural significance. The style was first developed around 1914 by Hidetaro Mori, who incorporated his unique artistic vision into the traditional kokeshi design. This innovation, known as the Nuruyu style, which emphasizes the curve of the doll, gained popularity around the Nuruyu Hot Spring and became an emblem of Kuroishi City. The Mori family's contributions, including the work of Hidetaro’s son, Shoichi Mori, further refined and preserved this distinctive style. Over time, Tsugaru kokeshi has become synonymous with the rich cultural identity of the region, blending historical craftsmanship with local motifs.
Tsugaru kokeshi are distinguished by their round heads, cylindrical bodies, and hourglass-shaped designs, which set them apart from other regional kokeshi. These dolls often feature vibrant geometric patterns and motifs inspired by local cultures, such as the daruma figure and tree peony flower, the family crest of the Tsugaru clan. Notable features include the Ainu pattern drawn on the torso, the Daruma face with arched brows and a sharp glare, the wide base and curvy chest, and the extremely narrow waist. The okappa (bob-cut) hairstyle and the use of simple, earthy colors further enhance their aesthetic appeal. Today, the Tsugaru Kokeshi Doll Museum in Kuroishi City showcases these creations, offering insights into their craftsmanship and cultural significance while preserving the legacy of this traditional art form.
Selection of materials
The making of kokeshi dolls starts with felling the trees that will become kokeshi dolls. For hot water kokeshi dolls, materials such as Itaya maple are used.
The wood is thoroughly dried for more than three years before use.
Cutting the wood
Before cutting it on the potter's wheel, the wood is roughly shaped into the shape of a kokeshi doll with an electric saw. This is called "kidori". Hot water kokeshi dolls, the head and body are built-in, so this process carves out the shape in one go.
Polishing
The surface of the cut food is still rough, so it is polished to make it perfectly round and smooth. To make it even smoother, a special blade called a bankaki is used to cut the surface, and then sandpaper is used to create the shape of the kokeshi doll.
Drawing the pattern and face
The wood is set on the potter's wheel and "wrapping lines" are made with a brush. It is then removed from the wheel and the patterns are added. Finally, the face of the kokeshi is drawn.
Finishing touches
To finish put on a protective layer, the kokeshi is placed on the potter’s wheel again and turned while wax is applied to the entire doll. The doll is then completed.
trip-tsugaru.com
https://tsugarukokeshi.com
津軽系こけし/伝統玩具-Tsugaru kokeshi/traditional toys (Japanese)
How to make Tsugaru Kokeshi dolls in Japan. (Visual Only)
Available in Korean with Japanese subtitles
Available in Japanese only
The best place to experience Nuruyu kokeshi is right where they were born—Kuroishi City. The museum not only showcases the dolls but also offers workshops.
Though Tsugaru kokeshi are quite easy to find on their own, I had quite a lot of trouble finding one. No one, through numerous markets, could tell me if they were Nuruyu kokeshi, some even hearing the term for the first time. Even the internet, with its endless search results, has barely any information about it. In the world of digitalization and globalization, what is preventing this very specific art form from disappearing? Thus, I propose that further Nuruyu kokeshi research is required. As I do not have the best Japanese skills, I want to pass some research questions for ones willing to conduct further research in this field: Why is this branch of Tsugaru kokeshi not as popular? Why can't people distinguish the difference between Nuruyu kokeshi and other Tsugaru kokeshi? What keeps the name of Tsugaru kokeshi on the web?
En Kuroishi Matsunoyu. (n.d.). Tsugaru Kokeshi Dolls. En Kuroishi Matsunoyu. Retrieved from https://www.en-kuroishi-matsunoyu.com/sightseeing/kokeshi.html
Kokeshi Doll Organization. (n.d.). Kokeshi History. Kokeshi Doll Organization. Retrieved from https://kokeshidoll.org/kokeshi-history/
Trip Tsugaru. (n.d.). Tsugaru Kokeshi Doll Museum. Trip Tsugaru. Retrieved from https://www.trip-tsugaru.com/en/tour/2266/
Soul Portals. (n.d.). Tsugaru Kokeshi: Various Artists. Soul Portals. Retrieved from https://www.soulportals.com/kokeshi/Album%20Traditional/TSUGARU/Various%20Artists/
Amazing Aomori https://aomori-tourism.com/en/spot/detail_261.html
https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyo/chikikigyo/aomori_dento-kogei_nuruyukokeshi.html
http://www.city.kuroishi.aomori.jp/kankou/spot/kankou/kokeshikan.html
https://www.trip-tsugaru.com/tour/899/