Hida Sashiko

OKITAMA TRADITIONAL CRAFT⑨【Sasano-bori (Yonezawa City)】

The farmers' carving technique of using only a single knife has been passed down for several thousand years

This is a local type of toy passed down in the Sasano district since a long time ago. It originates from two items: a shaved wooden flower and an octagonal charm. It is said that they are closely connected with rituals of the local Sasano Kannon belief. Also, during the late Edo period (18th to 19th century) the 9th lord Uesugi Yozan of the Yonezawa clan is said to have encouraged farmers to make them as a side business during the winter season, helping bring about their prosperity. In technical terms, there is a similarity to Inau carvings of the Ainu people (indigenous Japanese) which are said to be used in festivities.

《Yamagata Prefectural Government 》

飛騨さしこ 小銭入れ（Coin purse）

飛騨さしことは、弱い布にあて布で補強するという生活の知恵から生まれた工芸品で、藍染めの紺地に白い木綿糸で模様を描きます。