The Enigmatic Master: Tairei/Sondō and the Eight Martial Deities Tairei, more commonly known as Sondō, remains one of the most intriguing figures in late Edo-period Japanese art. His legacy is largely defined by a single, monumental ink drawing – “Ink Drawing of Eight Martial Deities Symbolizing the Eight Directions” (八武道図, *Yachtu Zuzou*) – created in 1799. This work, now housed within the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, tra…