master craftsman; skilled artisan
Refers to a highly skilled worker, especially in traditional crafts or arts. Often used with respect.
彼は陶芸の名匠として知られている。
He is known as a master craftsman of pottery.
この家具は名匠の手によるものだ。
This furniture is the work of a master artisan.
名匠 and 巨匠 both praise master craftsmen or artists, but 巨匠 carries a grander, more legendary connotation.
Compound of 名 (めい, 'famous') and 匠 (しょう, 'artisan'). The reading しょう for 匠 is the kan'on reading.