Fūjin and Raijin

Fūjin (風神), god of wind, and Raijin (雷神), god of thunder, are among the most exuberant figures in Japanese art. Demonic in appearance, with horns, claws and wild hair, they serve the Buddhist teaching as attendants of Senju Kannon, and they have become emblems of Japanese visual culture, from temple sculpture to golden screens and contemporary fashion.

Japanese 風神, Fūjin; 雷神, Raijin
Rank Devas, attendants of Senju Kannon
Recognise by Fūjin carries a great bag of wind over his shoulders; Raijin is surrounded by a ring of drums and holds drumsticks

Identifying the pair

Fūjin, often green-skinned, holds a long bag that streams wind from its open ends. Raijin, often white or red, is circled by a hoop of small drums, which he beats to make thunder. Both have muscular, demon-like bodies, scarves flying and feet planted on clouds. They are almost always shown as a pair.

Fūjin and Raijin in Japanese art

  • Sanjūsangendō, Kyoto. Kamakura period figures of the two gods guard the ends of the hall of a thousand Kannon, full of motion and humour.
  • Tawaraya Sōtatsu. His pair of folding screens of the early seventeenth century, owned by Kenninji, shows the gods on fields of gold leaf. Ogata Kōrin and Sakai Hōitsu each painted their own versions, making the subject a signature of the Rinpa school.
  • Kaminarimon, Asakusa. The Thunder Gate of Sensōji is guarded by the two gods.

Collecting notes

  • Carved and cast pairs in wood and bronze are popular display pieces. Check that the bag and drum ring, both fragile, are original.
  • Screens and scrolls after Sōtatsu are numerous. Quality of gold leaf and brushwork separates fine work from decoration.
  • The pair crosses into fashion and design. See our embroidered denim of wind and thunder.

In the collection

Browse Fūjin and Raijin pieces and scrolls and paintings. Our collector concierge can search Japan for a particular pair.

See also

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