Hidari Jingorō

[1] A Renaissance man, he worked as a sculptor, carpenter, painter, architect, comedian, actor, kōdanshi (rhythmical storyteller) and professor of art.

Although various studies suggest he was active in the early Edo period (around 1596–1644), there are controversies about the historical existence of the person.

Jingorō is believed to have created many famous deity sculptures located throughout Japan, and many legends have been told about him.

His famous nemuri-neko ("sleeping cat") carving is located above the Kuguri-mon Gate amidst the sacred mountain shrines and temples of Nikkō, Japan.

When he realized he could no longer be a blacksmith he became an apprentice for the Chief Architect Hokyo Yoheiji Yusa of the Imperial Court in Kyoto, where he studied how to build temples, shrines, and sculptures.