Born in Edo (present-day Tokyo), Uncho moved to Echigo Province in what is now Niigata Prefecture when he was in his 30s to create artworks for temples in Sanjo, Uonuma and other areas.

NIIGATA—Five huge sculptures made with rice straw aptly represent the theme of Niigata city’s annual Wara Art Festival: legends of Echigo Province. The event, running at Uwasekigata Koen park ...