Gift of Mabel Fisher. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
UM85.183
Lightning God
After Ogata Korin (Japanese)
Print on paper
Gift of Mabel Fisher. In the permanent collection, Brunnier Art Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
UM85.185
Likely based on the Japanese gods of thunder, Raijin, and wind, Fujin, these prints are inspired from a design for a larger folding screen. A pair of brothers, these gods are often thought of as both good and evil—bringing needed rains but through heavy storms, and possible destruction. Their power and chaos are shown in their muscular arms and legs and blowing hair. Their unnaturally colored skin also hints at their godly status. How have gods in different cultures been depicted physically? Are they larger-than-life, are bodies clothed and heads crowned?
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY 4.0)
