Goshuincho (Temple Seal Book) - New, Unused - Fujin Raijin (God of Wind and Thunder) - Gold

Purchased in Kamakura. Unused, opened only for photos. Will be carefully packaged and shipped promptly.
18 x 12 cm

This is a Kyoto Yuzen paper accordion-style Goshuincho (temple/shrine stamp book). It is domestically produced using Yuzen washi paper, which is carefully dyed by hand. Kyoto Yuzen paper, made one sheet at a time by Kyoto artisans, is created using a technique similar to silk screening. For each design, multiple plates are prepared for the number of colors, and the pigment is applied with a spatula, one color and one plate at a time. The Yuzen paper made this way has a texture, luster, and depth that machine printing cannot replicate. Furthermore, because pigments are used, it is resistant to fading.
Yuzen Goshuincho: Fujin Raijin
Large size
This is a gorgeous and brilliant design featuring the Fujin Raijin (Wind God and Thunder God) motif, famous from Tawaraya Sotatsu's screen paintings, randomly applied to matte gold-based washi paper.
The inner paper used is Torinoko-shi, a type of washi paper. It has a pale yellow color similar to egg yolk, writes smoothly, and is resistant to insect damage and durable. This washi paper is folded accordion-style with two sheets joined together, making it difficult for ink to bleed through.
The embossed texture further enhances its luxurious feel.

The deep, rich colors are a result of the unique hand-dyeing process of Yuzen.
Fujin and Raijin are a pair of deities based on ancient Japanese nature worship, with the Wind God controlling the wind with his bag and the Thunder God controlling thunder (rain) with his drums. As depicted in the Fujin Raijin-zu (Wind God and Thunder God) in Buddhism, they are known as guardian deities, famously represented by the sculptures at Sanjusangen-do temple.