clave-like folk instrument; two bamboo pieces beaten together
A traditional Japanese percussion instrument made of two bamboo sticks struck together, used in folk music such as the こきりこ節 (Kokiriko-bushi) from Toyama Prefecture.
In Kokiriko-bushi, they dance while striking the kokiriko together.
The kokiriko is indispensable for this folk song.
Standard kanji spelling for this traditional instrument.
Kana spelling is common in everyday writing, especially when the kanji are obscure.
Variant spelling; less common but still encountered.
Rare ateji spelling; may be seen in historical or specialized contexts.
The name こきりこ is likely onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of the bamboo pieces striking together. The kanji spellings are ateji, with 小切り子 suggesting 'small cut pieces' and 筑子 possibly referencing an ancient Chinese instrument, though the exact derivation is uncertain.