コンクールの第３部「創作こけし」の定義は一品ものです。時間をたっぷりかけて勤しみながら一つひとつ創作する楽しみ方を味わうにはもってこいのジャンルです。

　『錦絵猫・歌舞伎 道成寺』は３年越しで完成させた作品です。モチーフは錦絵作家歌川国芳一門の国利が描いた擬人化の猫です。地元白石市にある延命寺に祀られている白石生まれの安珍増が関係する歌舞伎演目らしいです。この史実を知り製作する意欲を持ち続けられしました。

道成寺は映画「国宝」で演じられて有名になりましたが、たまたまの偶然です。でも、そのおかげで完成させることができました。着物の赤綸子雲霞枝垂桜縫振袖をどう描いたら良いのか２年以上も悩んでいたのです。でも、映画『国宝』がヒントをくれました。発色の良いインクが欲しくなり、幾つか試してみて、筆ペンを新しく買い直しました。
絵付けにはまるまる５日かかってしまいました。

ミュージカルキャッツのような猫の歌舞伎があったら面白いのになと思っています。
おふざけとも真面目ともいえるような作品に仕上がりました。
ご笑覧ください。


The third section of the competition, "Creative Kokeshi Dolls," defines each piece as a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. It's an ideal genre for those who enjoy the pleasure of meticulously crafting each piece over ample time.

My work, "Nishiki-e Cat - Kabuki Dojoji," took three years to complete. The motif is an anthropomorphic cat drawn by Kuniyoshi, a member of the Utagawa Kuniyoshi school of nishiki-e artists. It seems to be related to a Kabuki play about Anchin monk, a native of Shiroishi City, who is enshrined at Enmei-ji Temple in my hometown of Shiroishi. Knowing this historical fact motivated me to continue creating the piece.

Dojoji became famous after being featured in the movie "National Treasure," but that was purely coincidental. However, it was thanks to that that I was able to complete it. I struggled for over two years with how to depict the red rinzu kimono with clouds, mist, and weeping cherry blossom embroidery. But the movie "National Treasure" gave me a hint. I wanted ink with good color payoff, so I tried several and bought a new brush pen.
The painting took a full five days.

I think it would be fun if there was a cat kabuki show like the musical Cats.
The finished piece is something that could be described as both playful and serious.
Please enjoy it.