Having always been interested in Japanese yokai because of their interesting legends and unique appearances, this project, I decided to create Tengu, one of the most well-known yokai in Japanese folklore. This character was designed based on myths about monk tengu, who disguised as monk that later climbed high into the priestly order.
Origin
Tengu first appeared in Japanese picture scrolls in the 7th century and developed through oral tradition over the year. There were two types of tengu. Kotengu, which was the original version, had a birdlike appearance. While daitengu, a more humanised version of kotengu, was distinctive for its bright red skin, long nose and large wings. It was believed that the long nose of tengu sympolised the hatred for arrogance and prejudice.
Tengu possessed special abilities such as control of wind, swordsmanship, and flight. They enjoyed disrupting human society and interfering with religion. This yokai was also said to have a deep connection with Japanese culture and religion, in particular Buddhism. They were not only portraited as a danger to Buddhism but disputing Buddhist sects would also use the term tengu to call other sects to demonise them and imply their teachings were dangerous and deceptive.
Inspirations and Design process
This project was initially inspired by artworks of Shaolin monks. It was then developed into the current design after many researches on the original legend of Tengu. In terms of physical appearance, this character is a zoomorphic creature, a tengu in the body of an old monk. He has red skin, a long, big nose, and long, pointy ears like goblins.
