A complete Sagemono with a four-compartment lacquer inro, decorated in taka-maki-e technique with gold and tortoiseshell, depicting Raijin and Fujin, and featuring nashiji internal walls.

The relief decoration showcases finely engraved tortoiseshell portraying Raijin, the god of thunder, and Fujin, the god of wind, surrounded by a layer of lacquer, partly gilded, representing clouds and lightning.

Raijin 雷神, known in Japanese mythology as the deity associated with meteorological events, is recognized as the god of thunder and lightning. He is depicted as a demon, an Oni, playing drums.

Raijin’s figure is often associated with another deity, also connected to meteorological events, Fujin, the god of wind. Fujin 風神 is portrayed as a demon, another Oni, who wields a long “sheet” to create the wind. Born from the same two major deities, Fujin is the brother of Raijin, and they engage in cosmic battles in the heavens, often sharing the classical iconography in which they are both depicted.

This exquisite lacquer inro with Raijin and Fujin showcases the remarkable artistry and craftsmanship of the Edo period, capturing the essence of Japanese mythology and cultural symbolism.

Original cord and boxwood netsuke depicting a seated sage holding a feather, signed by Koju.

Origin: Japan

Period: Edo early XVIII cent.

Dimensions inro: 6,5 x 5,5 x 2,5 cm

Dimensions netsuke: 2,5 x 2 x 2,7 cm 

State of preservation: Very good

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