Ryutoki

Kofuku-ji Temple
Nara, Japan

The dwarf daemon Ryutoki (1215; height: 31"), a snake wrapped around his chest, is shown bearing an offering lantern on his head. This symbolizes the conversion of daemons to Buddhism and their acceptance of Buddhist law. The statue shows a ready wit, and many felicities of style. Its sculptor is Koben, one of Unkei's four sons.

This statue is paired with another, Tentoki (not shown), of a daemon carrying a similar lantern on his shoulder. The Tentoki statue is considered by some authorities to be the work of a different sculptor, while others assign it to Koben.