|
5. Unidentified Artist - Hanging scroll Japan 18th-19th c. paint on paper; ink and color on paper H: 63.6 cm ( 25 inch), W: 23.1 cm (9 inch) |
.jpg)
The God of Thunder and his drum. Rather than emphasizing the frightening power of Raijin (or Kaminari), Otsu-e art-ists humorously had him fall victim to the same misfortunes that plague human be-ings. He has accidentially dropped the drum into the ocean. Leaning precariously out of the ominous clouds, he fishes for it with a heavy hook. This theme was probably first painted in the early 18th century. During the 19th cen-tury, when talismanic powers became as-sociated with certain Otsu-e, images of the god of thunder were hung in homes as protection against lightening. Reference: Meher McArthur: Gods and Goblins. Japanese Folk Paintings from Otsu, Seattle, Pacific Asia Museum 1999 Itemcode: 2006 |