“Yawata” horses

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

A Toy from the Nanbu Region

During the era of the Nambu clan, archery on horseback was practiced inside the confines of the “Kushibiki Hachiman-gu”, the main shrine of the Nambu region. During these occasions, the strongest horses in the region were given to the shrine as an offering. The “Yawata” horses were based on these offerings, and during the Kushibiki Hachiman Shrine Festival, these wooden horses were sold in the shrine, and this practice continues to this day.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

One of Japan’s Three Traditional Horse Folk Toys

The body is painted brightly in white, red, and black, which create the basic color scheme for the horses. In the past, brides were carried to their husband’s house on horseback, which is portrayed by the saddle on the “yawata” horse’s back. The “yawata” represents one of Japan’s three traditional horses.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

Made by Hand, Step by Step

The process of creating “Yawata” horses is still a step-by-step process done by hand. First the rough shape of the horse is cut from squared timber, then shaped with a chisel.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

Finishing Touches by Beveling

After chiseling, the finishing touches are done with a small knife for beveling.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

“Yawata” horses before coloring.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

Body is Black and Red

The “Yawata” horses are painted vibrantly with black, red, and white as base colors.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

Drawing the Design

The horses are painted to represent the elegant costumes worn in the past when brides would ride to join their husbands' families.

“Yawata” horsesAomori’s Traditional Handicrafts

Pastel Yawata Horses

Originally the design of the “Yawata” horses was skillfully portrayed using red, black, and white, but recently versions with pastel colors painted over a white base are being created.

Credits: Story

Aomori Prefecture

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Made in Japan
A showcase of Japanese crafts and traditions, and the untold stories behind them
View theme
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites