Exchange student at Kanazawa University for one year.
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Wajima Kiriko Hall (輪島キリコ会館) |
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CATEGORIES： |
Trip,Sight-seeing,Culture,History |
2011/11/12 20:26 |
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Kiriko – an adequate English translation might be “faced Bon lantern” – are portable illuminated wood tower constructions used at the summer and autumn festivals (matsuri) on the Noto Peninsula. This tradition roots in the early Edo era (1600-1868) and is an unique custom of the matsuris in the Noto region.
The Wajima Kiriko Hall offers the opportunity to see different kirikos from all over Noto and to get several information of this impressive tradition. The exposed twenty kirikos vary in seize and design; the smallest one is made for children, while the largest one is 15 meters high weighting 2 tons and has to be carried by more than 100 people. And there is also one preserved from the Edo era. The kirikos are made of wood, lacquered in black with large paper rolls on the front and back side, and the top is decorated with golden leaf covered ornaments, flags and red lanterns. On the front the name of the city or block is written to which the kiriko belongs; on the back are skillful paintings of mythological heroes or creatures. During the matsuris, in most cases held at night time, the kirikos are illuminated from the inside by candles. Nowadays for safety reasons the candles have been replaced by electric light. The Kiriko Hall is only slightly lightened, so that the visitors can have an impression, of how the kirikos would look at the matsuris.
Currently, there are still about 900 kirikos used at kiriko matsuris all over the Noto Peninsula. Sometimes they are also carried through water or fixed on boats. I had the great chance to take part in a kiriko matsuri at Nanao City Nakajima District in summer. It was a precious experience for me and I recommend visiting a kiriko matsuri.
If you missed the chance to watch a kiriko matsuri or if you want to get more information about this flamboyant custom, I recommend visiting the Wajima Kiriko Hall with the exposed kirikos, a lot of pictures and videos.
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