Ascending dragon with “dragon” motif! Myoko City traditional sedge work (Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture)

2023.12.4

sedge_workwinterMyoko City

The annual manufacturing that feels the end of the year…

Production of sedge work, a traditional handicraft in the Hiramaru district of Myoko City, Niigata Prefecture, is at its peak with the motif of next year’s zodiac sign, “dragon.

Sedge work are made according to the Chinese zodiac signs of the New Year. This year, the motif is “dragon” and the design is a rising dragon, which has never been seen before.

The work is being done by the Hiramaru sedge craft preservation society, a non-profit organization. The work began in September and is now in its peak season.

Work in progress

Hiramaru Sugezaiku Preservation Society
There has been a lot of gloomy news in the past few years. I hope people will enjoy watching the rising dragon.

Sugezaiku has been made by farmers in the Hiramaru area since 1958 as a source of winter income.

In the 1960s, when it was at its peak, there were about 200 makers, but due to the aging of the workforce, the preservation society took over eight years ago.

The preservation society keeps the tradition alive while adding new arrangements every year. The ascending dragon is one such example.

Hiramaru sedge work preservation society
Every year we make something different. It is a waste of New Year’s ornaments. I want them to be displayed for a whole year so that people will realize that this year is the year of the dragon.

All sedge work is made to order and priced at 22,000 yen per piece, including shipping and tax.

Receive a 1,000 yen discount if you pick it up at the museum located in Itakura-ward, Joetsu City.

Sugezaiku Reservation
Inquiry: Mr. Shibano, Chairman of Hiramaru sedge craft preservation society Cell phone:  090-3548-7370

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