Tsuki-Hoko: Gion Matsuri!, a set on Flickr.
This float derives its name from the crescent moon mounted on the top of its pole. Halfway up the pole the deity of the moon known as Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto is enshrined.
The gorgeous pictures of flowers and grasses on the lower side of the eaves of this float were rendered in 1784 by Maruyama Okyo, the most renowned painter of the time. Additional paintings on the float based on themes from the world famous “Tale of Genji” were made in 1835 by a wealthy local resident. The elaborate sculptures on the roof are attributed to the noted master Hidari Jingoro of the early 17th century who is famous for having carved the Nemuri-neko or “sleeping cat” in the Toshogu shrine in Nikko. Many works which are believed to have been carved by Hidari Jingoro are treasured in Kyoto.
The Tsuki-hoko (literally “moon float”) is characterized by many of its must-see museum pieces including dyed textile works, ceiling paintings, architectural structures, as well as elaborate metal work and other works of art.
Maruyama Ōkyo by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi. Maruyama Okyo was well known for his true-to-life paintings. The story, illustrated by this print, tells of the time Okyo painted a ghost so “realistically” that it came to life and frightened him.
Maruyama Ōkyo, born Maruyama Masataka, was a Japanese artist active in the late 18th century. He moved to Kyoto, during which he studied artworks from Chinese, Japanese and Western sources.
Hidari Jingorō was a possibly fictitious Japanese artist, sculptor and carpenter. Although various studies suggest he was active in the early Edo period, there are controversies about the historical existence of the person. Jingorō was a famous Edo period artist, designer, sculpturer, carpenter, and architect. After someone cut his right hand, he learnt to work with his left hand and became Hidari Jingorou (Hidari (左) means “left”) (source: minna no nihongo shokyuu, lesson 37).
Carving of a sleeping cat at Nikkō Tōshō-gū, said to be the work of Jingorō.
