*
by Yuka Morii
Clay sculpture
Looming arbiter of the Aizu ridges, shaking mountain peaks in tests of strength and territorial balance.
Tengu, the mountain spirits of Japanese folklore, are found in legends throughout the country. The tengu of Aizu are said to have feet so enormous that they could stomp through the roof of a house. The thunderous sound of giant trees crashing deep in the mountains or huge boulders tumbling down the slopes may, according to legend, be the result of territorial battles between rival tengu.
Tengu, the mountain spirits of Japanese folklore, are found in legends throughout the country. The tengu of Aizu are said to have feet so enormous that they could stomp through the roof of a house. The thunderous sound of giant trees crashing deep in the mountains or huge boulders tumbling down the slopes may, according to legend, be the result of territorial battles between rival tengu.