Accession Number1989/2.116
TitleStove God and Wife with Calendar
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation Date1948Medium & Supportcolor woodblock print on paperDimensions 13 3/4 in x 10 1/2 in (35 cm x 26.7 cm);14 9/16 in x 11 7/16 in (37 cm x 29 cm);13 3/4 in x 10 1/2 in (35 cm x 26.7 cm)
Credit LineGift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. HannaSubject matterStove God prints like this one were responsible for watching over the family and reporting their progress to the Jade Emperor, a powerful Daoist deity. As such, they were hung in shrines above the kitchen stove where the god, often accompanied by his wife, could closely observe the family.
Each year a new print with a calendar specific to that year was purchased, and burnt at year-end in order to send the god back to heaven and the Jade Emperor for his annual report. Just before burning the print, special food would be placed in front of the deity, and his mouth smeared with honey or sugar in order to ensure he left the home with a sweet taste in his mouth.
Physical DescriptionThis print is typical, depicting the Stove God and his wife with halos and elegant clothing. Before them is a table with common worship instruments, including candles, an incense burner, and flowers. Standing in the bottom corners are two officials, and between them a container of jewels. The jewels are flanked by a dog and rooster; animals thought to be symbols of domesticity with auspicious connotations. Above the scene a calendar for the year 1949 is framed by an auspicious dragon motif.
Primary Object Classification Print Primary Object Typecolor printCollection AreaAsianRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
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Keywords
calendars
dragons
flowers (plant components)
gods
gods (dieties)
incense burners