Over 400 years ago, the dance of Izumo no Okuni captivated all of the audience, which became KABUKI, and from that Japanese Dance was born. Whether you’ve seen it before or not,
we hope you find it interesting…
This time, we’ll take a different look at the true identity of HIDARI JINGORO, the legendary sculptor.
｜Branding of JINGORO
As mentioned in the previous article, “HIDARI JINGORO #2 ~ Animals Coming to Life”, works attributed to HIDARI JINGORO can be found throughout Japan. The years of production for each piece are said to span more than 400 years. It is impossible for someone to have been active for approximately 300 years, so one theory is that the term does not refer to a specific person, but rather is used as a synonym for highly skilled artisans and craftsmen from all over the country who specialize in carpentry, woodworking, construction, and craftsmanship. It is also said that they were trying to give prestige to an unknown, excellent work by claiming it was the work of HIDARI JINGORO, whose brand image was already established.
The Hida region (in Gifu) was a major base where talented carpenters gathered, so the theory that the “HIDARI” of his name is derived from “Hida no” is also widely accepted. The skilled Hida craftsmen of this region eventually came to be known as “Hida artisans” and traveled all over the country to build temples. Their descendants also produced many masterpieces, and it is said that “HIDARI JINGORO” is a collective name for these Hida craftsmen.
There is a poem in the Manyoshu that compares unwavering love to the exquisite craftsmanship of Hida craftsmen. The high level of skill possessed by the Hida craftsmen is thought to have been widely known since around the 7th century, when the Manyoshu was compiled.
“Kanikakuni Mono wa Omowaji Hidabito no Utsu Suminawa no Tada Hitosuji ni”
Meaning is…..
I will not worry about this or that;
I will think only of you,
straight and true,
like the ink line of a Hida carpenter.
｜The Origin of his name “HIDARI”
In addition to the above, there are various other theories about the origin of his name “HIDARI.”
One theory is that it was because a fellow carpenter was jealous of his skill and cut off his right arm, or that he was originally left-handed.
Another theory is that he was given the official rank of “Hidarikan”.. There are various stories about the origin, but the truth is unknown.
*This site contains promotions.
◆CONTACT
https://miya-ds.com/en/contact/
◆TRIAL LESSON
https://miya-ds.com/en/trialsession/
◆JAPANESE DANCE SCHOOL MIYA
https://miya-ds.com/en/
◆MIYANAGI RYU
https://www.miyanagiryu.com
