Tentoki Carrying Lantern - Japanese Cast Iron Figure ca. 1920

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This is a wonderful Japanese cast iron figure of Tentoki, carrying a lantern. According to legend, unique to Japan, the devil Tentoki was an evil creature. However, after being defeated by the Four Deva Kings (Shitenno), he repented and was saved. Now Tentoki carries a lantern as an offering to Buddha. This dynamically cast figure, standing on rockwork, measures 13 1/2 inches tall to the top of the lantern and the base measures roughly 7 1/4 inches by 5 inches. The figure has much of the original polychrome lacquer or enameling depecting his clothing, hair and other details, though there is a fair amount of degradation from age and oxidation. There are no maker's marks that I've found. The bottom, somewhere along the line, was protectively coated to prevent the extensive oxidation and rust that can destroy one of these pieces ...... $850.00