What is hidari jingoro?

Hidari Jingoro was a legendary Japanese wood sculptor who is thought to have lived during the Edo period (17th-19th century). He is renowned for creating intricate and masterful carvings, primarily of mythical creatures such as dragons, lions, and kirin.

One of Hidari Jingoro's most famous works is the "Giboshi," a pair of wooden statues of a male and female figure holding up the outermost posts of the Karamon gate at the Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Japan. The statues are said to be so lifelike and detailed that they appear to be in motion.

Hidari Jingoro's work is characterized by its realism, attention to detail, and fluidity of motion, making him one of the most celebrated wood sculptors in Japanese history. Despite the fame and reverence surrounding his craft, very little is known about his life or background, adding an air of mystery to his legacy.