Hidari Jingorō

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The Famous, the Unrivalled Hidari Jingorō (Meiyo migi ni teki nashi Hidari Jingorō); by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
The Famous, the Unrivalled Hidari Jingorō (Meiyo migi ni teki nashi Hidari Jingorō); by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Hidari Jingorō (左 甚五郎?) was a Japanese artist, sculptor and carpenter, active from 1596-1644. Jingorō is known to have created many famous deity sculptures located throughout Japan. His famous nemuri-neko ("sleeping cat") carving is located above the Kuguri-mon Gate amidst the sacred mountain shrines and temples of Nikkō, Japan. Amongst these shrines and temples is Nikkō Tōshō-gū, a shrine that honors the Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Hidari Jingorō was a famous left-handed Edo period artist, designer, sculpturer, carpenter, and architect. His name Hidari (左) means "left" and "east".

Many stories have been written about Jingorō. According to one, he once saw a woman of such exceptional beauty that he made a sculpture of her. Jingorō begins to drink in the company of the sculpture, and it begins to move, following Jingorō's lead. At first it had no emotion and could only imitate Jingorō's movements. However, when he places a mirror in front of the sculpture, the woman's spirit enters and it comes to life.

Carving of a sleeping cat at Nikkō Tōshō-gū, said to be the work of Jingorō.
Carving of a sleeping cat at Nikkō Tōshō-gū, said to be the work of Jingorō.
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