Tengu Statue, Japan Edo Period (1603–1868)

This piece depicts a Tengu, a supernatural figure central to Japanese folklore. By the Edo period, Tengu were no longer seen solely as malevolent spirits, but had evolved into guardians of forests, mountains, and sacred sites. Possessing supernatural powers and renowned for their skill in martial arts, they were believed to challenge vain samurai and misguided clergy, acting as spiritual and moral sentinels.