Karasu-tengu (烏天狗)

About this Yokai

Karasu-tengu (烏天狗) is a type of Tengu. It is a supernatural being associated with mountains and with yamabushi, the ascetic practitioners of Shugendō.

In medieval Japan, early visual depictions often portrayed Tengu with bird-like features. In later periods, however, the more human-like form with a long nose became increasingly common.

Tengu are also known for their mastery of martial arts. According to legend, a Tengu from Mount Kurama taught swordsmanship to the young Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a famed warrior.

Artist’s Note

I depicted the Karasu Tengu in the classic attire of a yamabushi mountain ascetic. I wanted to convey a sense of agility and mobility, showing the figure lightly moving through the air.