21：眠り猫（1匹目）　　ーNemuri-neko　“Sleeping Cat”　＃1ー

日光で最も有名な猫「眠り猫」 
Nikko's most famous cat: the "Sleeping Cat"

日光では古くからお土産用に多くの「眠り猫」が作られていました。ここ金谷ホテルにも数匹の「眠り猫」が存在します。その代表格がこちらです。 
In Nikko, many "sleeping cats" have been made as souvenirs since ancient times. There are several "sleeping cats" here at Kanaya Hotel. Here is one of the most representative ones.

大正期、日光で活躍した彫り師・森乙丸（もり・おとまる）の作。なんとも愛らしい猫の姿に笑みが浮かんできます。心地よさそうに眠る姿は、まさにホテルにピッタリ。正真正銘金谷ホテルのアイドルです。 
森乙丸は、かつて当ホテルからほど近い稲荷町に住み、門前町の各所にも神輿の彫り物などの作品を残しています。 
This cat was created by Mori Otomaru, a carver active in Nikko during the Taisho period. The adorable cat's appearance brings a smile to your face. Its comfortable sleeping appearance is a perfect fit for the hotel. It is truly the idol of Kanaya Hotel.
Mori Otomaru once lived in Inari-cho, close to the hotel, and left behind carvings of portable shrines and other works in various places around the temple town.