BLOG 4.  “Appearing of the karakuri chariots - Part 1”

Since in the early 15th century Japan, chariots dedicated to Shinto festivals and often became to have dolls where gods dwell. And in Edo period, those dolls became to have motions manipulated by people hiding in the chariots. Elaborate karakuri chariots gradually appeared.

The three photos here were taken of the karakuri chariots of Takayama Festival:
(1) Takayama Spring Festival at Takayama city, Gifu prefecture.
(2) Manipulating exercises of a karakuri doll named “Sanbaso”.
(3) Actual performance of Sanbaso.

The doll is performed on the horizontal pillar protruding from the chariot. It is said that Sanbaso karakuri on the chariot appeared in the end of 18^th century. Three karakuri chariots including Sanbaso are performed on the Spring Festival, and also one karakuri chariot is performed on the Autumn Festival now.