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Military Door God (Pair with 1989/2.149)

Chinese

Artwork Details

Military Door God (Pair with 1989/2.149)
20th century
Chinese
woodblock print on paper
20 1/4 in x 11 7/16 in (51.4 cm x 29 cm);21 5/16 in x 12 3/8 in (54.2 cm x 31.5 cm);20 1/4 in x 11 7/16 in (51.4 cm x 29 cm)
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna
1989/2.150

Tags

Description

Subject Matter:

This is one of the Chinese military door gods, most likely to be Yuchi Gong, who is paired with Qin Qing. The Chinese door gods are worshipped as spiritual guardians of the entrance. They are known for their trustworthiness, strength, and loyalty, and are suposed to keep evil spirits from entering. Door gods normally face each other in pairs because it is considered bad luck to place them back-to-back. The "double happiness" character in the background symbolizes good luck, especially for a marriage.

Physical Description:

A figure with a red face is dressed in colorful and elaborate armor and headdress. He is holding up a spear and faces right. The back ground is green filled with white clouds and flowers. 

Usage Rights:

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