Sculpture (1) - Bronze, Wood - Japan - Meiji period (1868-1912)

Tenjin - Sugawara no Michizane, Japan, early 20th century. Meiji period. Shintoism. Very beautiful bronze representation of Tenjin which is the abbreviation of Tenman Daijizai Tenjin, divine title attributed to Sugawara no Michizane. Statesman, scholar, disgraced artist and a priori wrongly exiled. He was first seen as a resentful and fierce spirit before being honoured and revered as the deity of poetry throughout Japan. Revered in Shinto shrines as well as Zen Buddhists. This sculpture is of great finesse, very beautiful work. Superb patina. Tenjin items of this quality from the Meiji period are very rare pieces. Original wooden hands. Quality bronze and collector's item. Missing end at the back Statue 25 cm high without the base. 25 x 24 x 16 cm Height with base: 32 cm A few chips, cracks, and breaks, etc. Kanaka collection. Specialising in South Asian art.