Nakei Chin

Background

Nakei Chin was a Chinese naturalized, he came to Japan with his younger brother Butsuju.

Career

In 1196, by order of Emperor Gotoba, he built one of the gates of the Todaiji Temple. Also built a large ship for Shogun Sanetomo Minamoto, who attempted to sail to China (Sung Dynasty). The ship was launched with a ceremony in 1217 but it failed to float due to unfavorable ground conditions.

Achievements

• Distinguished himself by moulding a giant Buddhist statue of the Todaiji Temple in 1186.