Accession Number
1989/2.135

Title
Door Gods

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
18 1/2 in x 15 in (47 cm x 38.1 cm);18 11/16 in x 15 13/16 in (47.5 cm x 40.2 cm);18 1/2 in x 15 in (47 cm x 38.1 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. Hanna

Subject matter
These are the Chinese door gods Shentu and Yulei. 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. 

Physical Description
Two figures dressed in armor stand side by side. The left figure is holding a staff and the right figure is holding a spear. They are standing in front of a door, appearing to be guarding it. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
entrances
gods
gods (deities)
guardian deities
pairs
spirits (beings)