Yusui Toku “Unai” Series – ‘Kaminari’ 雷 (Thunder) – 1978 Showa Era Limited Edition Kaga Yuzen Washi Print

About the Artwork

This dynamic composition, titled 「雷」(Kaminari – “Thunder”), belongs to the Unai (うない) limited edition series by Yusui Toku (湯水得), produced in 1978 during Japan’s Shōwa era.
The artwork captures a lively child in motion, framed against a misty green background, surrounded by circular motifs reminiscent of thunder drums or blossoms in flight.

Each detail of the figure’s attire — patterned with Kaga Yuzen–inspired textile motifs — reveals masterful balance between energy and elegance. The flowing lines of the child’s robe and hair convey the rhythm of thunder and wind, transforming natural forces into the pure spirit of play and movement.

Poetic Inscription (Verso)

雷 (Kaminari)
雷電乱るる雲のへに
魔炎の光り
たたかひ翳る

(Amid the storming clouds,
a flash of burning light —
the thunder rolls,
then fades into shadow.)

This poetic verse evokes the beauty and awe of summer storms, expressing how energy and calm coexist in nature — a theme mirrored in the joyful yet serene child figure.

Artistic Symbolism

In Japanese art and folklore, thunder (kaminari) symbolizes vital energy, transformation, and divine power. Here, Yusui Toku translates that mythic force into a child’s playful innocence, merging natural dynamism with spiritual stillness.

His delicate palette of silver-green hues and ochre accents recalls Nihonga sensibility, while the intricate Kaga Yuzen coloration preserves the refined craft of Kanazawa’s textile traditions.
As with other works from the Unai series, this print celebrates childhood purity as a timeless reflection of Japan’s poetic heart.

Artwork Details

Artist: Yusui Toku (湯水得)
Title: 雷 (Kaminari / Thunder)
Series: Unai (うない)
Year: 1978 (Shōwa 53)
Medium: Woodblock / mixed media print on handmade washi paper
Style: Kaga Yuzen–inspired textile motifs with Nihonga tonal harmony
Edition: Limited to 50 prints
Publisher: Fuji Art Publishing (Japan)

Collector Highlights

• Exemplifies Yusui Toku’s fusion of traditional Kaga Yuzen patterning and modern Nihonga aesthetics

• A rare 1978 limited edition from the Unai series on fine washi paper

• The thunder theme (kaminari) symbolizes energy, nature, and joy through Japanese poetic imagery

• Ideal for collectors of Shōwa-era Japanese prints, Unai series works, and modern Ukiyo-e reinterpretations