Accession Number
2015/2.160.1

Title
Door Gods Yu Lei and Shen Tu - Catchers of Evil Spirits and Ghosts (Diptych)

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
19th-20th century

Medium & Support
woodblock print on paper

Dimensions
22 ½ in x 13 ¾ in (57.15 cm x 34.92 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Sharlynn and Andrew Circo, in memory of Sotokichi Katsuizumi

Subject matter
<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> This figure is one of the door gods. 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 Description
The left panel of a diptych featuring a figure dressed in an elaborate robe and headress. He has red skin, a large black beard, and an ornamented staff. He is facing right. Background is blue, red, and white silk pattern with a red "double happiness" character. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

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