Accession Number
2003/1.633

Title
Door god facing right, Moon (New Year print)

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
30 15/16 in x 17 1/8 in (78.5 cm x 43.5 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Harold W. Stevenson, University of Michigan Professor Emeritus in Psychology

Subject matter
This figure is one of the door gods. Above him is the "moon" character. 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. 

Physical Description
The figure has a red face, black beard and mustache, and is dressed in a bright red, yellow, and blue robe and headdress. He is holding a staff in each hand and is facing right. Above him is the character "moon."

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
gods (deities)
human figures (visual works)
moons