God of Thunder fishing for his drum

Japan

late 18th century

Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Rather than emphasizing the mysterious and frightening power of the god of thunder, Ōtsu-e artists humorously had him fall victim to the same misfortunes that plague human beings. Here, he has accidentally dropped his drum into the ocean. Leaning precariously out of the ominous clouds, he frantically fishes for it with a heavy black hook. Gallery G223 Gift of Harriet and Edson Spencer