Artwork Page for Thunder God (Raijin)

Details / Information for Thunder God (Raijin)

Thunder God (Raijin)

1300s

Japan, Kamakura period

(1185–1333)
Medium
wood with traces of gesso and red and black pigment
Measurements
Overall: 66.7 cm (26 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1972.64
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The Thunder (Raijin) and Wind (Fujin) gods first appeared in early Buddhist art in China and Japan and were based on the popular imagery in India that was derived from the life of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni. They were shown among a group of demon-monsters flying through the sky above the meditating Shakyamuni in an attempt to frighten away his concentration. Raijin is surrounded by a ring of small drums struck by a stick held in his hand so that he is always accompanied by a thunderous noise. A metal clasp protruding from this sculptures' back indicates that a ring of drums was once attached to the Cleveland Raijin. The matching sculpture, Fujin, is in the Fukuoka Art Museum in Japan.

Thunder God (Raijin)

1300s

Japan, Kamakura period (1185–1333)

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