Production Cost – Chinkin Guitar “Raijin & Fujin” Model

A One-of-a-Kind Art Guitar Featuring the Iconic “Wind God and Thunder God” Motif in Traditional Japanese Chinkin Lacquer Art

“Fujin and Raijin,” the Wind God and Thunder God, are among the most iconic subjects in Japanese art.
The famous “Wind God and Thunder God” imagery, depicted by renowned artists such as Tawaraya Sōtatsu and Ogata Kōrin, has captivated people for more than 400 years with its bold composition and dynamic expression of wind and thunder.
We have brought these powerful figures to life on the body of a guitar using the traditional Japanese lacquer technique of Chinkin.
Against the deep black lacquered body, Fujin and Raijin emerge through intricate golden lines.
Although the finished work may appear like a painting at first glance, the design is actually created by a skilled Chinkin artist who carefully carves each individual line by hand before applying gold powder into the engraved lines.
Unlike a painting on a flat surface, the lines are carved directly into the lacquer, preserving the subtle nuances and depth created by the artisan's hand. The appearance of the gold changes beautifully with the angle and intensity of the light, revealing different expressions from every viewpoint.

The Traditional Japanese Art of Chinkin

Chinkin is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique in which fine lines, dots, and patterns are engraved directly into the surface of lacquerware, and gold powder or gold leaf is then applied into the carved grooves.
For this work, a highly skilled Chinkin artist carefully engraved the design directly onto the guitar body.
Although the artist works from a carefully prepared design, every individual line is ultimately carved by hand. This means that the process cannot simply be replicated by machine.
Layer upon layer of finely engraved lines creates the sense of movement in Fujin commanding the wind, the powerful presence of Raijin, and the dramatic tension between the two divine figures.

The Powerful Symbolism of Fujin and Raijin

Fujin and Raijin have long been regarded in Japan as powerful deities symbolizing the forces of nature.
Fujin governs the wind, while Raijin is associated with thunder and lightning.
Their imagery represents not only the awesome power of nature, but also the rain and wind that bring fertility and sustain human life, reflecting the deep respect that Japanese culture has traditionally held for the natural world.
The pairing of Fujin and Raijin has been passed down through generations as a powerful symbol of strength, movement, protection, and the distinctive aesthetic sensibility of Japan.
In this work, that powerful spirit is brought together with the guitar—a modern instrument created to express music.

A Guitar That Is Both an Instrument and a Work of Art

This is more than a beautifully decorated guitar.
It brings together three experiences in a single piece: “playing,” “admiring,” and “owning.”
On stage, it commands attention with its striking presence. When not being played, it can be displayed as a unique work of art that adds character and beauty to an interior space.
It is designed not only for those who love music, but also for those who appreciate Japanese culture, traditional craftsmanship, and fine art.
A modern musical instrument and a traditional Japanese lacquer craft with centuries of history come together here, united through the hands of skilled artisans.

Created Entirely by Hand, One Line at a Time

The Chinkin decoration is created entirely by hand.
Rather than relying on printing or mechanical transfer, the Chinkin artist carefully observes the lacquer surface and gradually carves each line by hand.
As a result, the subtle variations in the strength of each line and the expression of the gold retain the unique character of hand craftsmanship.
Even when the same design is used, no two works can ever have exactly the same appearance.
This individuality is one of the defining qualities of an art guitar created through traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Transform Your Guitar into a One-of-a-Kind Work of Art

This product is not the sale of a complete guitar. Instead, we receive your own electric guitar and have it transformed through traditional Chinkin lacquer decoration.
Your treasured instrument can be reborn as a one-of-a-kind art guitar unlike any other in the world.
In addition to the “Fujin & Raijin” design, we can also discuss custom-made designs based on motifs and ideas that are personally meaningful to you.

About the Commission

Your electric guitar will be carefully entrusted to a skilled Chinkin artist specializing in traditional Echizen lacquerware craftsmanship.

• Technique: Hand-applied Chinkin lacquer engraving
• Production time: Approximately 4 months
• Work: Chinkin decoration applied to the guitar body
• Commission fee: JPY 550,000 (tax included)

Please note that depending on the type, condition, construction, and specifications of your guitar, we may not be able to accept the commission. Please contact us first for a consultation.

Bringing Traditional Japanese Beauty to the Modern Instrument

Japan is home to countless traditional crafts that have been refined and passed down through generations.
At Re Tone, we seek to create new forms of value by bringing these traditional Japanese techniques together with contemporary lifestyles and musical culture.
Traditional craftsmanship and the guitar may at first seem to belong to two very different worlds.
Yet both share a fundamental beauty: the beauty created by the human hand.
The “Fujin & Raijin” model brings together the skill of a traditional artisan and the spirit of music in a single creation.
Japanese art, traditional craftsmanship, and music.
All three are brought together in one extraordinary, one-of-a-kind art guitar.
Transform your treasured guitar into a special work of art that can be cherished and passed down for generations.
If you are looking for a truly unique art guitar that embodies the beauty of Japan, we invite you to contact us.