horned figure with red skin seated, kicking legs up into air; white, bulbous glass eyes; broad, open smile revealing small, pointed teeth; carries drum stick in PR hand; oval "halo" of drums behind figure; black sash with floral decorations loosely wrapped behind figure; base

God of Thunder, 17th - 19th century

Unknown Japaneseexpand_more

Wood with polychrome and inlaid glass; metalexpand_more

The John R. Van Derlip Fund; purchase from the collection of Elizabeth and Willard Clarkexpand_more  2013.31.53a,b

Not on Viewexpand_more

Eyes raised, mouth agape, and with legs and arms sprawled out in front of him, the God of Thunder falls backward onto his behind in surprise. The God of Thunder, known as raijin, is usually represented as a horned demon-like figure wearing a tiger-skin loincloth. He carries a set of drums on his back, which he strikes with a stick to make the booming sound of thunder. He is often paired with the God of Wind, fūjin, who carries a bag of wind instead of drums.

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Details
Title
God of Thunder
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2013.31.53a,b
Curator Approved

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horned figure with red skin seated, kicking legs up into air; white, bulbous glass eyes; broad, open smile revealing small, pointed teeth; carries drum stick in PR hand; oval "halo" of drums behind figure; black sash with floral decorations loosely wrapped behind figure; base

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