Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)

Antique Japanese Tenjin Figure – Polychrome Wood Scholar Deity, Edo to Early Meiji Period (11.5” Tall)

$295.00
$295.00
Sold out

This evocative antique Japanese figure is very likely a representation of Tenjin (天神) — the deified scholar Sugawara no Michizane, revered as the patron deity of learning, writing, and scholarship in Japan. Figures of Tenjin were traditionally placed in homes, schools, and shrines as objects of devotion and protection for students.

Carved in a seated formal posture, the figure wears a traditional court cap (kanmuri) and flowing robes, with a composed, contemplative expression emblematic of Tenjin iconography. The figure holds a scholarly object, reinforcing the association with intellect and study. Original hand-applied polychrome decoration remains throughout, showing richly aged blacks, reds, and earth tones with surface wear that speaks to genuine age and devotional use.

Likely dating from the late Edo to early Meiji period (19th century), this piece represents Japanese folk-religious sculpture rather than later tourist production. Its scale and craftsmanship suggest it was intended for a domestic shrine or small institutional setting, making it both historically meaningful and visually compelling.

⭐ Key Features

  • Likely Japanese origin, Edo to early Meiji period

  • Probable depiction of Tenjin (Sugawara no Michizane)

  • Hand-carved wood with original polychrome paint

  • Traditional court attire and kanmuri-style cap

  • Seated scholar posture with symbolic object

  • Rectangular painted base with decorative detailing

  • Approx. 11” wide x 4” deep x 11.5” tall

  • Ideal for collectors of Japanese art, religious figures, or folk sculpture

📦 Condition – Good
Structurally sound with expected age-related wear. Noticeable paint loss, surface abrasions, and patina consistent with long-term handling and devotional use. No major breaks or repairs observed. Wear enhances authenticity and character.

🚚 Shipping & Delivery
✨ FREE Shipping Included! 📦

All items are carefully packed for safe arrival. Orders ship within 1–3 business days via USPS, UPS, or FedEx, with full tracking provided. Larger or fragile items may require additional handling time, but we always ensure secure, reliable delivery.