Accession Number
2015/2.161.1

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
20 in x 11 ¾ in (50.8 cm x 29.85 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 clouds in the background represent the celestial realm, since clouds were created in between heaven and earth. 

Physical Description
This panel is the left panel of a diptych that features a figure with red skin, a large black beard, and an ornamented staff. He is dressed in a colorful robe and elaborate headress, and is facing to the right. Background is blue, red, and white with a cloud pattern. 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
color print

Collection Area
Asian

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