Neko Chigura

Neko Chigura

Neko-chigura production demonstration in Michinoeki, Sekikawa.

Neko-chigura of the 18th century (Fukagawa Edo Museum)

Neko Chigura or Neko Tsugura is a kind of cat house made of straw in Japan. It is a folk craft of Sekikawa, Niigata, or Akiyamago (the area of Tsunan, Niigata and Sakae, Nagano). It is called "Neko-chigura" in Sekikawa, and "Neko-tsugura" in Akiyamago.

Chigura or tsugura is written as "稚座" in kanji, and means basket in a dialect of Niigata. There is the custom to enter the infant in the basket made of rice straw in Niigata where is a rice granary and it is a side business in the winter season in snowbound Niigata.^[1]

In the present age, Chigura for cats has a various shape by the originality of the producer. It is common of a Pillbox type and pot-shaped type, and there are few of a basket type. As a cat has the custom to enter small space, a cat prefers a Neko-chigura to sleep in it.

Notes

1. ^ Satsuki shobo "Neko chigura" editorial staff, ed (July 2010). Happy Neko Chigura--photo book of cats, men and home village--we met these cats and men at Echigo, Sekikawa. edited by Neko chigura group in Sekikawa, Niigata. Satsuki shobo. ISBN 978-4-7727-0485-4. 

See also

• Ejiko - chigura for infants (Infant bed)

External links

• Official website