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Zhong Kui (the demon queller) with five demons

Chinese

Artwork Details

Zhong Kui (the demon queller) with five demons
20th century
Chinese
woodblock print on paper
21 5/8 in. x 16 9/16 in. ( 55 cm x 42 cm )
Gift of Harold W. Stevenson, University of Michigan Professor Emeritus in Psychology
2003/1.616

Description

Subject Matter:

This is a woodblock print of the Chinese demon queller, Zhong Kui. He was known to fight off demons and chase away evil spirits. The smaller figures seem to be demons, and Zhong Kui is fighting them off. The clouds on his robe represent the celestrial realm, since clouds were created in between heaven and earth. Zhong Kui is usually painted on gates as a guardian spirit or in places where there are high valued goods. 

Physical Description:

This is a woodblock print on paper. There is a center figure with a blue face and is wearing a colorul robe with cloud motifs. He is holding a sword and is surrounded by five smaller figures. 

Usage Rights:

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