Accession Number1989/2.149
TitleMilitary Door God (Pair with 1989/2.150)
Artist(s)ChineseArtist NationalityChinese (culture or style)Object Creation Date20th centuryMedium & Supportwoodblock print on paperDimensions 20 5/16 in x 11 9/16 in (51.6 cm x 29.4 cm);21 1/4 in x 12 3/4 in (54 cm x 32.3 cm);20 5/16 in x 11 9/16 in (51.6 cm x 29.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Willard A. and Marybelle B. HannaSubject matterThis is one of the Chinese military door gods, most likely to be Qin Qing, who is paired with Yuchi Gong. 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 DescriptionA figure with a pale face and pink cheeks is dressed in colorful and elaborate armor and headdress. He is holding a spear and faces left. The back ground is green filled with white clouds and flowers.
Primary Object Classification Print Primary Object Typecolor printCollection AreaAsianRightsIf 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 (deities)
guardian deities
protection (sociological concept)
spirits (beings)