Dai-Tengu Zenkibō 前鬼坊

3D Model

Zenkibō is a dai-tengu protector of the Ominesanjo (Omine mountains) he has in his right hand a tied peacock feather linked to the Kujaku Myoo’ sutra.

made 500 years ago with traditionnal “lost foam method” and in copper alloy, this statue is currently enshrined in the Kizoin temple of Yoshino and visible for prayers.

Legend said that he flew from Sanjogatake (Sanjo’s peak) to land in the pond of Kizoin Temple in Yoshino, where he has since been worshiped. In fact, it seems that it was the yamabushi of the Honzan-ha who decided to bring down this statue in order to worship it at Yoshino and more at the monastery of Omine-sanji, The accessories which he wears: Bonten-kesa / Fudo-kesa and the bar Metallic holding the front flaps: show that it bears the attributes of the Honzan-shugen sect

PS: Zenkibo should not be affiliated to Zenki, the male demon who served En No Gyoja