Tentōki and Ryūtōki

Tentōki and Ryūtōki (木造天燈鬼立像 mokuzō tentōki ritsuzō) and (木造竜燈鬼立像 mokuzō ryūtōki ritsuzō) are a pair of demon-like creatures in Japanese folklore. They are usually depicted as small oni, and symbolize the power of the Shitennō to repel and defeat evil.[1]

Tentōki and Ryūtōki by Kōben, National Treasure of Japan, c. 1215–16

Kōben sculpted notable statues of Tentōki and Ryūtōki, each considered a National Treasure of Japan, carrying lanterns as offering to the Historical Buddha at Kōfuku-ji in Nara.[2]

See also

References
  1. "SHITENNŌ in Japanese Art". Retrieved 2012-07-10.
  2. Schumacher, Mark (2009). "Ishidoro". Japanese Buddhist Statuary. Retrieved 2009-09-16.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.