The Wind and Thunder Gods
These images are based on the high resolution facsimile produced by the Tsuzuri Project. Unauthorized copying, duplication, or transfer of these images is strictly prohibited.
DATA
- Artist:
- Tawaraya Sotatsu
- Historical era:
- Edo (17th century)
- Material:
- printed, gold on washi paper
- Medium:
- Pair of two-fold screens
- Theme:
- High Resolution Facsimile of Historical Cultural Assets
- Size:
- Each screen H154.5 × W169.8 cm
- Recipient:
- Kenninji TempleMAP
[Original]
- Current owner:
- Kenninji Temple
- Material:
- ink, color and gold on washi paper
DESCRIPTION
The wind god controls the wind, and the thunder god controls lightening. Particularly in ancient India, the wind god was revered as the god that bestows fortune and prosperity upon all forms of life, and has therefore been considered as the god of fertility. In this painting, Sotatsu uses gold leaf to depict an empty space of "infinite depth" upon which he applies a special technique to draw truly magnificent "clouds" using ink and water. To the viewer, the painting creates an image of a deified wind god and thunder god suddenly emerging from a void. The story of these gods are passed down today as a national treasure of Japan.
Exhibit information
- Exhibit dates:
- Currently on display
- Place:
- Kenninji Temple
- URL:
- https://www.kenninji.jp/（Japanese only）
- Address:
- 605-0811
584, Komatsu Town, Yamato Ojidori 4-jo Kudaru, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture