A Tale of Tengu (One of the Tōji Temple and Daigoji Temple Scrolls)

Tengu goblins are imaginary creatures known for causing all kinds of mischiefs and supernatural occurrences. This illustrated scroll uses tengu as a metaphor to satirize the arrogance of monks from the major influential temples of the time. The written section fiercely criticizes these monks. This is followed by pictorial scenes from Toji and Daigoji Temples in Kyoto and Kongobuji Temple on Mount Koya in Wakayama. Please take a look at the beautiful young boys dancing beneath the blooming cherry blossom trees. This is Seiryoe, a spring festival held at Daigoji.

The monks surrounding the stage seem to be taking a particular interest in the young boys. This scene scathingly lampoons the degeneracy of the Buddhist priesthood. This illustrated story compares Buddhist monks to [tengu] goblins — arrogant and mischievous creatures from Japanese folklore. One scene depicts a spring festival at Daigoji Temple in Kyoto. Young boys dance beneath cherry blossoms, surrounded by monks who seem overly interested. This satirical depiction was intended to highlight the degeneracy of the Buddhist priesthood.

— Museum description: Tokyo National Museum (CC BY 4.0), via ColBase / Japan Search.