master craftsman; skilled artisan
Refers to a highly skilled worker in a traditional craft or trade, emphasizing mastery and reputation.
彼は当代随一の名工と呼ばれている。
He is called the greatest master craftsman of our time.
Compound of 名 (めい, 'famous, excellent') and 工 (こう, 'craft, construction'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with a master artisan.