week 3: Types

Karkuri doll was made to be useful for people, but gradually to be entertains people. I’ll introduce you the type of entertainment Karakuri doll in this week.

<Zashiki-karakuri(座敷からくり)>

It is small and used in home.

<Butai-karakuri(舞台からくり)>

Mostly they are used the stage of kabuki. This is used as the one of highlight scene.

<Dashi-karakuri(山車からくり)>

It is used at festivals which puppets are used in to tell the myths and legends and so on.

And this week I’ll show you some major Zashiki-karakuri.

<carrying-tea-doll(Chahakobi doll 茶運び人形)>

It is the most famous Karakuri doll because it is not only practical but also make the guests happy.

The use of it is only turning the zenmai(=spring). At the same time a teacup was putted on the tray which the doll have, he begins walking with his head shaking. When the guest pick a teacup up, he wait until the guest finishes to drink tea. And the teacup is putted on the tray again, he turn around and go back to the starting point again. Its slow moving is so cute! It move as if he has a life, and it is wonderful as a ornamental doll, too.
☆movie→http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=1ZoFGCSFS1o

<shooting-an-arrow-doll(Yumihiki doll 弓曵き童子)>

The doll pick and shoot arrows. Its moving is controlled by zenmai(=spring),  cam(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cam), and threads. He shoots some arrows but he is crafted to miss the one shooting, and he expresses the delight of the hits and the sadness of the miss with his moving of neck. That action have a good taste.
☆movie→http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JV--AwLxiE

<Writting-kanji-doll(Mojikaki doll 文字書き人形)>

It was made by Hisashige Tanaka and it is said that he made this for the celebration of the birth of a child. When the board turns to him the writing brush is moving to write a word. It is perfect about Tome(an end of one brush stroke), Hane(splashes of brush), Harai(brush off), The speed(high or low) and power(strong or week). Moreover his face follow the head of a brush so he looks real human. He can use different writing styles: “松 Matsu(a pine)”, “竹 Take(a bamboo)”, “梅 Ume”, “寿 Kotobuki(congratulations)”, from the changing cams. It has the most advanced technics in this era so it is called masterpiece of Karakuri doll.

☆movie→http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSv_qnJT90Q)

<Handspring doll(Dangaeri doll 段返り人形)>

The doll is put on the steps, at the same time he starts Handspring and go down stairs. In his body, the mercury lean and the weight make him rolling slowly. Its not tired moving and the risk of landing make people more fun.

☆movie→http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-2jqeY0zcg)

What did you feel about today’s my blog?

It is very attractive for me since I search about this topic so I’m glad you to have a interest in Karakuri doll.

There are more types of Karakuri doll so why don’t you search other types? (518words)