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Mario and Luigi appear in a new artwork that combines traditional Japanese art techniques with the modern-day video game world.

Mario and Luigi caused a buzz last year when they appeared on a couple of traditional Japanese folding screens, posing in the same powerful stance as Fūjin and Raijin, the gods of wind and thunder. Now, they’re making another appearance in god-like form, but this time they’ll be immortalised in a yukiyo-e woodblock print and available to the public for purchase, thanks to a Kyoto-based artist specialising in the traditional art technique.

▼ The art is based on a National Treasure dating back to the 17th century, Fūjin-raijin-zu, by Tawaraya Sōtatsu, showing Raijin on the left and Fūjin on the right.

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In the new woodblock print, Luigi takes on the role of Fūjin, one of the eldest Shinto gods, who is traditionally portrayed as a red-haired demon with green skin. Luigi keeps his shoes on for the role and looks a lot less terrifying than the original while carrying a large bag of wind on his shoulders. Spiny-slinging Lakitu and “killer” Bullet Bill also make an appearance in the background.

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Mario, as the god of lightning, thunder and storms, holds a drumstick in each hand and is surrounded by a ring of stars rather than the usual drums on which to create thunder. This means Mario will be hitting stars, creating a storm that sounds like high-pitched twinkles.

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While the images are beautiful and humorous at the same time, there’s actually a skilled craftsman behind the project, using traditional centuries-old printing techniques to create the final image, which is limited to a run of 90 prints in total.

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The end result is a beautiful framed picture priced at 194,400 yen (US$1,734.40). Instead of using traditional Japanese paper known as washi, a layer of gold leaf is used, making this one expensive yet beautiful piece of art.

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Source: Japaaan
Top Image: Ticket Pia (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert Images: Ticket Pia, Ticket Pia (edited by RocketNews24)