The Military Door God Yuchi Gong (Pair with 1989/2.151)
Chinese
Description
China
20 th century
Pair of color woodblock prints on paper
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna, 1989/2.151-152
Door god (or menshen) prints were used on doors and gates to protect a house
from negative influences and encourage positive ones. This was a popular folk
practice beginning in the Tang dynasty (618–906). The guardian figures depicted
in this set of prints are the deified generals Qin Shubao (also known as Qin
Qiong) and Yuchi Gong. Their military backgrounds make them particularly well
suited to protect the household from malevolent forces. In modern use, prints
such as these are usually pasted to paired doors and replaced every Chinese
New Year (which falls on the first new moon of the year, sometime between
January 21 and February 20). The figures are meant to be displayed facing one
another; to place them back to back is considered bad luck.
Subject Matter:
This image shows the Chinese military door god Yuchi Gong. Yuchi Gong is paired with Qin Qing, and both door gods were aids of a Tang dynasty emperor. 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 spears in both hands and faces right. The back ground is green filled with red "double happiness" characters.
Usage Rights:
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