Two gods who control wind and thunder from ancient Japan - the Wind God and the Thunder God.
Their depiction in Tawaraya Sotatsu's "Wind God and Thunder God Screen"
continues to touch people's hearts across the ages.
This traditional beauty is now revived in the form of KARAKU's black T-shirts.
This time,
we will introduce a piece of clothing that is the intersection of art and fashion.
table of contents
01 | What is the "Wind God and Thunder God"?
02 | Introduction to Sotatsu and the Wind and Thunder Gods
03｜Modern Interpretation and Significance of the Wind God and Thunder God
04 | KARAKU's black T-shirt
01 | What is the "Wind God and Thunder God"?
The origin of the "Wind God and Thunder God painting" is said to be in China, but
the details are unknown, and they are variously called "Fu Bo," "Fu Shi," "Rai Gong," "Rai Shi," etc. Figures that resemble the wind god and thunder god can be found in the 1st century Wu Clan Shrine and in tombs from the Northern Wei dynasty.
"Thousand-Armed Kannon Statues of the Twenty-Eight Deities" Collection: Hosomi Museum of Art
Before these images were established in Japan,
they were accepted as part of the "Twenty-Eight Deities" who are followers of the Buddhist Thousand-Armed Kannon.
Among them, the wind god and thunder god, who symbolize natural phenomena, became prominent and
gradually became popular objects of worship.
In particular, the belief in Sugawara no Michizane as the god of thunder
has led to him being deeply rooted in Japanese culture as a god that transcends Buddhism.
Next, we will introduce some of the representative artists who have painted "Wind Gods and Thunder Gods".
02 | Introduction to Sotatsu and the Wind and Thunder Gods
"Wind God and Thunder God Screen" by Tawaraya Sotatsu, owned by Kenninji Temple and Kyoto National Museum
When you think of "Wind Gods and Thunder Gods," you think of Tawaraya Sotatsu.
This is his masterpiece, and
it is a masterpiece that has etched the Wind Gods and Thunder Gods into the memories of Japanese people.
Sotatsu is said to have been born around 1570 and
was an artist who led a studio called "Tawaraya" in Kyoto.
Although his detailed career is unknown, he was highly valued by Honami Koetsu and others, and
was active as a representative Rinpa painter.
The "Wind Gods and Thunder Gods Screen" is currently known as a national treasure of Kenninji Temple, but
its origins are shrouded in mystery. One theory is that it was donated to Myokoji Temple by the wealthy merchant Uchino Koki, and
then moved to Kenninji Temple.
The composition with a large blank space in the center
is said to be a remnant of Sotatsu's work painting on fans.
03｜Modern Interpretation and Significance of the Wind God and Thunder God
In modern times, the wind gods and thunder gods are symbols of coexistence and harmony with nature. The natural forces that were once feared have now become beneficial to people's lives,
as seen in wind power generation and disaster prevention research .
They are also popular creative motifs in art and literature,
and continue to live on in our lives today.
04 | KARAKU's black T-shirt
The reason KARAKU chose the wind gods and thunder gods as its motif is
not just because of the beauty of the design, but
also because they wanted to express traditional Japanese gods in a modern way.
The historical motif of the wind god and thunder god is placed on the modern canvas of a black T-shirt ,
striking an exquisite balance between street style and traditional beauty.
This T-shirt embodies the theme of how to incorporate traditional Japanese beauty into modern times .
The motifs of the wind gods and thunder gods evoke images of strength and protection,
making them a perfect fit for modern street fashion.
In particular, KARAKU aims not to simply reproduce designs, but
to create new value by fusing tradition and modernity.
The "(Pre-order) Tawaraya Sotatsu 'Wind Gods and Thunder Gods' Embroidered Heavyweight Tee"
is available for pre-order at KARAKU's official online shop and in-store.
A wide range of sizes are available, and information on prices and limited quantities can be found on the official website.
Details page:
[Pre-order] Sotatsu Tawaraya "Wind God and Thunder God" embroidered heavyweight Tee
summary
The beauty and spirit of Japan, passed down through the ages.
The strength of the wind gods and thunder gods depicted by Tawaraya Sotatsu is embodied in a KARAKU garment.
Add the luxury of wearing tradition to your wardrobe.
Please look forward to the "KARAKU style" of Japanese expression in the future.
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