Meiko, Hidari Jingoro 名工 左甚五郎 / Gekko zuihitsu 月耕随筆
by Ogata Gekko
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Source:
- British Museum
- Image courtesy of
- British Museum
Description
From Gekko's celebrated "Gekko zuihitsu" (Gekko's Miscellany) series, this print depicts Hidari Jingoro, the legendary Edo-period master woodcarver traditionally credited with the Nemuri-neko (Sleeping Cat) at Nikko Toshogu. The title "Meiko" (skilled craftsman) frames the subject as a tribute to artisanal excellence. Gekko likely shows Jingoro at work or contemplating a carved figure, a subject that allowed the artist to embed still-life detail—tools, wood shavings, sculptural objects—within a figurative composition. The "Zuihitsu" series was notable for its eclectic range of subjects drawn from legend, history, and nature, printed in oban format with restrained palette choices that favored ink tonality over saturated color.
More Prints by Ogata Gekko
MORNING GLORIES AT IRIYA, TOKYO
Woodblock print
Nippon-damashii, Kyokaku 日本魂 侠客 / Gekko zuihitsu 月耕随筆
Woodblock print
Onodera Koemon Hidetomi 小野寺幸右衛門秀富 / Gishi shijushichi zu 義士四十七図
Woodblock print
Beauties Harvesting Bracken, from the series Gekkō’s Miscellaney
c. 1886–1899
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Frequently Asked Questions
Meiko, Hidari Jingoro 名工 左甚五郎 / Gekko zuihitsu 月耕随筆 was created by Ogata Gekko (尾形月耕).