God of Thunder (Raijin) - Tawaraya Sōtatsu

A striking depiction of the Japanese thunder god Raijin, rendered in ink and gold leaf by the master painter Tawaraya Sōtatsu.

This work depicts Raijin, the Japanese deity of thunder and lightning, suspended against a vast expanse of gold leaf. Tawaraya Sōtatsu, a founder of the Rinpa school, employs a bold, graphic approach to the figure. Raijin is shown with a muscular, contorted physique, his skin rendered in pale tones that contrast with the dark, swirling clouds and his flowing black scarves. He carries a series of drums, which he strikes to produce the sound of thunder.

The composition is defined by the tension between the static, shimmering gold background and the dynamic, kinetic energy of the deity. The use of gold leaf creates a reflective surface that alters the appearance of the work depending on the light in the room. Sōtatsu uses ink washes to suggest atmospheric depth, allowing the figure to appear as if it is emerging from or disappearing into a storm. The figure's expression is fierce, with wide eyes and bared teeth, typical of the iconography associated with this deity in the Edo period.

Sōtatsu was a key figure in the development of the Rinpa style, which is known for its decorative qualities and use of precious materials. This piece is part of a larger pair of screens, with the companion piece depicting Fūjin, the god of wind. The work demonstrates a mastery of brushwork and spatial arrangement, balancing the emptiness of the gold ground with the concentrated detail of the figure. It remains a primary example of Japanese screen painting from the early seventeenth century, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the period for bold, stylised imagery.