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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Fūjin God of Wind Medal
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.

Fūjin God of Wind Medal

Artifact ID1981.04651.01a-b
Object Type Medal, Commemorative
Gifter
Artist (Japanese painter, active ca. 1600- ca. 1640)
Maker (Japan)
Date 20th Century
Medium Metal (bronze, gold), Enamel, Fabric (velvet, satin)
Dimensions.01a: 2 5/8 × 2 5/8 × 1/4 in. (66.2 × 66.2 × 6.6 mm)
 .01b: 4 × 4 × 3/4 in. (4 × 4 × 3/4 in.)
Physical DescriptionA square-shaped medal made of gold-foiled bronze with a raised enameled depiction of Fūjin, the Japanese Shinto god of the wind. The image is based on Fūjin Raijin-zu (Picture of Wind and Thunder Gods) by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, and shows Fūjin as a demon with green skin, wearing a vest and wrap. The enamel on the demon is green, black, white, and red. The verso is solid gold. There are Japanese characters stamped on the bottom edge. The medal is contained within a red velvet box lined inside with red velvet. The inside top of the lid is white satin, lettered in gold "Minister of Finance Michio Watanabe The Mint Bureau Japan."
Historical NoteThis enameled bronze and gold medal depicts Fūjin, the Japanese god of the wind. It is based on a 17th century depiction (early Edo period) of Fūjin by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, from Fujin Raijin-zu (Picture of Wind and Thunder Gods). The medal was given to National Security Advisor Richard V. Allen during a meeting with Minister Watanabe January 22, 1981.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to White House staffer Richard V. Allen (National Security Advisor) during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/CultureJapan
In Collection(s)
Related LinksAdditional Reagan Library archival holdings available at:
WHORM Subject File Code: GI002 (Gifts to the President) Case File Number(s): 010000 - 012399