Gallery

 

Ralph Rucci's Fashion, with Hiroto Rakusho's Brocade

As Onishi Gallery presents “collaboration”, a two-person show of artworks by Kyoto Gold Leaf Master Hiroto Rakusho and New York fashion designer Ralph Rucci, on the right is a glimpse of pictures from Rucci's 2010 Spring collection at the New York Fashion Week in September 2009--Ralph's first time to use Hiroto Rakusho’s selection of Nishijin Brocade for his dresses. Rucci's 2010 Fall collection in February’s New York Collection will be the second occasion for him to collaborate with Rakusho on his fashion.

Look 49: Emma

Collaboration: Look 49: Emma Emma

Look 49: Emma Back

Collaboration: Look 49: Emma Back Emma Back

Look 50: Anastasia

Collaboration: Look 50: Anastasia Anastasia

Look 50: Anastasia Back

Collaboration: Look 50: Anastasia Back Anastasia Back

Look 51: Karen

Collaboration: Look 51: Karen Karen


 



High definition digital reproductions: Featured artworks from Kyoto

Wind God and the Thunder GodHawks in Pine TreesCarp at the GatewayCarp at the Gateway
Wind God and the Thunder God

Important Cultural Property: Wind God and the Thunder God
Attributed to Ogata, Korin
Owned by Tokyo National Museum
Era: Edo Period, 18C
Style: Pair of two-fold screens, color on gold paper
Size: 164.5*182.4cm
Image Source: TNM Archives, Japan

Wind God and the Thunder God: National Treasure


Wind God and Thunder God control the wind and thunder. In India, Wind God was believed to give fertility to every living creature. This piece has glittering gold leaves, a silver coating that has darkened over the years, and clouds painted with a unique ink technique. It looks as though both Wind and Thunder Gods, divine images of the power of nature, appear suddenly, out of nowhere. With striking color combination and well-balanced gold leaves, this mysterious piece shows an infinite depth of the space.

About the Artist:

Tawaraya, Sotatsu (unknown ~ 1643?)

Sotatsu is a painter who represents the early Edo Period. While his popularity and influence was great, his personal records are not well known. He worked on large-scale decorative pieces such as Wind God and the Thunder God, and produced many ink paintings. He was known as a top painter whose clients included members of the Imperial Family and famous cultural figures. His decorative and bold composition style became a new form of painting, which later influenced modern Japanese paintings.