Vintage Japanese Folk Toy Horse - Chagu Chagu Umakko - White, Red and Blue

Here we have a lovely vintage Mingei (folk art) Horse decoration or Toy from Morioka, in Northern Honshu. The Chagu Chagu Umakko Festival started roughly 200 years ago so that farmers could give their horses a day off after the rigors of rice-planting and so they could pray for their health at the shrine. Hand made from wood, decorated in bright primary coloured lacquer. The Hair is made from hemp strands. This one has lovely woven ribbons and decorations. The name Chagu Chagu derives from the sound that the bells make when the horses move during the festival. They are very similar in design to Miharu Goma from Fukushima Prefecture, but more brightly coloured and decorated with more tassles and bells. In good vintage condition, with some wear to the paint and one small chip to the ear. From Moriaka, Iwate Prefecture, Northern Japan. Measures 8.5cm long x 11.5cm tall