Accession Number
1989/2.141

Title
True God of the Earth

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
17 1/2 in x 15 in (44.4 cm x 38.1 cm);18 5/8 in x 16 1/4 in (47.3 cm x 41.3 cm);17 1/2 in x 15 in (44.4 cm x 38.1 cm)

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

Subject matter
The central figure is Tu Di Gong, the god of Earth. He is known to entrust the Chinese people with prayer, good desires to ward off evil, and to avoid disasters. According to folk customs, people set up sacrifices for Tu Di Gong especially during the seasoons of planting and harvesting. The man on the left seems to be one of the door gods, and the man on the right seems to be a scholar. 

Physical Description
A central figure dressed in a robe and headdress stands grinning and holding his hands together. There is a table in front of him with ceramic pots and vases on it. There is a man and woman on each side of him, they are turned towards him, showing respect. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
earth (features)
gods
gods (deities)
protection (sociological concept)