Sunday, May 26, 2013

"mikoshi, portable shrine" for the local festival

(posted; Japanese culture page)
My husband's one of the band member made 2 kinds of "mikoshi; portable shrine" for the local festival. We were invited to see the finished mikoshi (one of them) at his house last month.  The festival was held in the next city today where my husband was brought up and had been worked.  In honor of the founder of the cement company (the person who made them retired from the company), the festival is held by the local shrine. You might find the shapes of them uncommon from the ones you may know. 

*First one is modeled after the Tokkurilink -shaped kiln (we put sake in tokkuri) to burn limestone. This old type kiln is no longer in use now.


The each brick parts were made separately and it took 3 years for him to complete the whole kiln part. The real kiln is made of about 125,000 bricks and 17.8 meters high.  It was closed in 1,913; and this page (Sorry that I couldn't find the English page.) explains a lot about it with more detailed pictures. From the page, we learn that the one I show you below is the only cement burnt kiln in existence and designated as "Important Cultural Property".    Before the festival, we went there to take pictures.




*Second one is called "セメン樽, semendaru. cement barrel" 
They used to use barrels to carry cement. 
(this picture taken today before they are on the street)







this sweet is a well-know specialty of the city holding the same name 
"cement barrel"; sweet beans inside 

Thank you so much for reading this long post. I'll post these portable shrines being carried at the festival in my next post.  I figured too much for one post :))

 Linking this post to "Our World Tuesday".

13 comments:

  1. Dear Miyako

    That is some beautiful handi work :)
    Enjoy your Sunday!

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  2. What gorgeous and detailed work those shrines are, my dear friend! I love how respectfully people are honored and remembered in your beautiful land.

    It does sound like times of fun and fellowship, too, to be able to get together with those who've shared so much together.

    I hope your new week is off to a wonderful start! xo

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  3. Hello Miyako,

    These portable shrines are interesting. I loved seeing the details and learning about the kilns. The festival sounds like a fum time. Thanks for sharing, have a happy day!

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  4. very detailed shrines to commemorate the kiln and cement industry! very neat!

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  5. These are very amazing pieces, Miyako. I like the tokkuri shaped one. That sweet treat is adorable, shaped liked a tiny barrel. xo

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  6. Wow these omikoshi are very unique and gorgeous! I never imagined tokkuri shaped mikoshi. How creative! And I love the taru shaped mikoshi, too. Both of them must look great being carried at the festival. I look forward to your next post!

    Have a great new week, Miyako san. We are having long holiday weekend. One more day to be lazy :-)

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  7. Dearest Miyako,
    What an intricate job this man did for making such a replica.
    You are smart for making two posts out of this.
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  8. Miyako,

    Que trabalho lindo seu esposo fez! Parabéns!
    E a você muito obrigada por nos mostrar e ensinar coisas tão lindas de seu pais.
    Uma linda semana! Beijos

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  9. Dear Miyako, I really enjoyed looking at these amazing photos today. We always learn something from your blog, and we thank you for sharing all your traditions with us. Hope you are keeping well xx

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  10. What a wonderful idea for a shrine. Your husband is so skilful in creating that shrine. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Wow, interesting post!! Bpoom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  12. The portable shrines are so intricate -- lots of work goes into commemorating the history!

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