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文字サイズの変更
[2008年2月18日]
National Important Intangible Folklore Cultural Assets
Chiryu Karakuri Dolls perform in response to Joruri and are performed only by the dolls, which makes the performance very unique. Currently, “Ichinotani War” is being performed.
Furthermore, Karakuri dolls are made by the local people in Chiryu with creative ingenuity, and the techniques have been handed down since the Edo Period (according to “Naka-cho Festival Records” for 1724).
Chiryu Karakuri Dolls are not made by professionals but are made by the hands of the town people. The mechanism of the dolls is not sophisticated, and very few hardwoods but any scrub bushes are used for the material, while costumes are also made from scrap fabrics. In other words, everything except for the neck is all hand-made.
Chiryu’s Karakuri Dolls belong to the thread type of Karakuri, and Chiryu Float Karakuri began to get people’s attention because of its uniqueness. Since it is unique and almost unprecedented in the way that dolls perform one play in response to Jorui or Shamisen, “Chiryu Karakuri” has widely been introduced to the public.
(Picture right) "Ichinotani War" performed on the Festival Float
The mechanisms of Karakuri Dolls are classified into two types, depending on the feature. One is to move dolls by implanted springs and spiral springs (each made of whale whiskers) and the other system is to move dolls by hiding a dozen or so threads inside the doll’s body through the gutter, to operate the threads from a distance of several meters.
Chiryu Karakuri Dolls belong to the latter system, and technically, it requires higher skill compared to those employing the spring system.
Furthermore, the number of people to operate the dolls exceeds the number of dolls, and about ten people are required to perform the play “Ichinotani War” by Chiryu Karakuri Dolls. Karakuri Dolls have enigmatic charms to attract people.
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