The Tengu King Training his Pupils c. 1690

"The Tengu King Training his Pupils" is a woodblock print created by the renowned Japanese artist Hishikawa Moronobu around 1690. The print depicts a group of Tengu, mythical bird-like creatures with long noses, engaged in a dynamic training session. The Tengu King, depicted in the center, is teaching his students how to wield swords and fly. Moronobu was a key figure in the development of ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world), a genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period (1603–1868). This print showcases Moronobu’s masterful use of line and his ability to capture the energy and movement of his subjects. It is a valuable example of early ukiyo-e and provides insight into the rich mythology and visual culture of Edo-era Japan.