What is Torigoe Bamboo Craft”Torigoe Bamboo Craft is said to be a ”kogei” that has a tradition of 1000 years”, said Megumi Shibata who has been making Torigoe Bamboo Craft in Torigoe area in Ichinohe city of Ninohe ward in Iwate. It is said that the monk who founded Torigoe Kannon temple brought this, and it is believed that the origin goes back to the Heian Period. |
Things that change with timeShibata is worried that the artisans are getting old, and the number of younger artists is not increasing. ”The number of people who want to learn as hobby is increasing, but not much for those who wants to do it as work… Therefore, I want to spread it more to the younger generation.” Shibata told us. |
It is sad to see the craftsmen disappearingIn the old days, Torigoe Bamboo Craft was made as a source of supplemental income for the farmers when they did not have any farm work. It was a precious source of cash income. During the Edo Period it was featured as local ”kogei” but according to Shibata ”it was in fact made by the farmers only during the winter. Probably it was made in most households.” |
ACCESS
- Torigoe Bamboo Craft Artist, Megumi Shibata
- Ichinohecho, Ninohe-gun, Iwate Prefecture