This sculpture represents the Japanese demon Tentoki. In Japanese tradition is a tutelary deity, usually represented with Ryutoki. They were absorbed in Japanese Buddhism and are represented with lanterns as a present to Buddha.

Incredibly well done massiccio sculpture. Please see the details of the face, the draping of the dress, the muscle lines of the chest. The glass was then beautifully coated with oxide powders to create a bronze verdigris finish. In addition a sulfur like chemical was added and than brushed away so that it remains only in the deepest grooves. It was probably then heated again as that sulfur is fused.
The result is like a bronze statue was found in a marine wreck and corroded by the salty water.

The maestro followed the Tentoki statue made by Koben in the 13th century and now at the Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara, the hands position are the same. He wanted however to make a less scaring face, more gentle as the European tradition of the tutelary diety.

Hard to make the right attribution. Mauro Badioli did several Japanese subjects, however the patina is typical of Pino Signoretto. If I find more I’ll update the listing. As for the time being they are listed as attributed to.

Heavy and fairly a large piece. 42 cm about 17 inches tall. Has a black base in Japanese style. Best would be against a window as strong light shows the glass material.