The Demon Queller Zhong Kui (Shoki or Sho Ki)

Artist/Culture Okumura Masanobu 奥村政信 (Japanese, 1686–1764)

Dateabout 1745

Mediumwoodblock print; ink on paper; sumizuri-e; urushi-e

Dimensions62.2 x 9.5 cm (24 1/2 x 3 3/4 in.)

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineJohn Chandler Bancroft Collection

Terms

Object number1901.1201

DescriptionHashira-e (pillar print)
Label TextOkumura Masanobu (1686-1764) The Demon Queller Zhong Kui (Shoki) About 1745 Artist's signature: Hogetsudo Tanchosai Okumura Bunkaku Masanobu Baio ga (drawn by Hogetsudo Tanchosai Okumura Bunkaku Masanobu Baio) Artist's seal: Tanchosai Woodblock print, ink on paper (sumizuri) with hand-coloring and glue for added lustrous effect: urushi-e; hashira-e John Chandler Bancroft Collection, 1901.1201 The Chinese mythical figure Zhong Kui is characterized by his bulging eyes, energetic stride, bushy beard, military robe, sword, black boots and large travel hat [sometimes a smaller scholar's cap]. Zhong Kui became known as a "demon queller" when he appeared as a spirit to drive away demons that had haunted the feverish dreams of the Tang dynasty Emperor Xuanzong (r. 712-756). Zhong Kui explained thatProvenanceJohn Chandler Bancroft, Boston, MA

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