Wind God and Thunder God — History & Facts
Wind God and Thunder God by Ogata Kōrin is a pair of two-panel folding screens created in the 18th century, depicting the Shinto deities Fujin (the Wind God) and Raijin (the Thunder God). The work is executed in color on gold-leafed paper, a technique characteristic of Japanese screen painting of this period. The screens represent a significant example of Ogata Kōrin's mature style and his engagement with classical themes in Japanese art. The right screen features Fujin, the Wind God, portrayed with a white body, wild hair, and a billowing green sash, holding his bag of winds.
The left screen shows Raijin, the Thunder God, with a green body, fierce expression, and surrounded by drums that produce thunder. Both figures are set against a luminous gold background, with dark clouds swirling around them, emphasizing their supernatural presence. The use of bold outlines, vibrant colors, and dynamic poses creates a sense of movement and energy. This work is a celebrated example of Edo-period screen painting and reflects the influence of earlier depictions of these deities in Japanese art.
The pairing of Fujin and Raijin is a traditional subject, symbolizing natural forces and their control over the elements. Wind God and Thunder God has been widely recognized and exhibited, and is held today in a major public collection, where it remains an important reference for the study of Ogata Kōrin and Rinpa school painting.











