Kenninji Temple: Wind and Thunder Deities

JAPAN, Kyoto; Edo period

This folding screen illustration was painted in the 17th century by the Japanese artist Tawaraya Sotasu. It was listed as a National Treasure in 1952. Both deities have muscular bodies and wild eyes. They stand in dynamic poses against a golden background. On the right side of the screen, the green Wind Deity appears to be running toward the center, holding on to the two ends of the wind sack. On the left, the Thunder Deity descends with one leg bent and the other extended. He is surrounded by a string of drums. The figures are painted in bright colors and outlined with bold ink strokes. The blank background creates a sense of spaciousness and emphasizes the lively deities. The symmetrical layout on this two-panel screen is probably influenced by Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279) art.