Zhong Kui (the demon queller) with five demons

Accession Number
2003/1.616

Title
Zhong Kui (the demon queller) with five demons

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
21 5/8 in. x 16 9/16 in. ( 55 cm x 42 cm )

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

Subject matter
This is a woodblock print of the Chinese demon queller, Zhong Kui. He was known to fight off demons and chase away evil spirits. The smaller figures seem to be demons, and Zhong Kui is fighting them off. The clouds on his robe represent the celestrial realm, since clouds were created in between heaven and earth. Zhong Kui is usually painted on gates as a guardian spirit or in places where there are high valued goods. 

Physical Description
This is a woodblock print on paper. There is a center figure with a blue face and is wearing a colorul robe with cloud motifs. He is holding a sword and is surrounded by five smaller figures. 

Primary Object Classification
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
blue (color)
demons
evil
spirits (beings)

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted