Specialty - Zhuxian Town Gate Gods

Author: Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House Editorial Department
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-06-01
Features: Zhu Xian Town is located 20 kilometers south of Kaifeng City, Henan Province (known as Dongjing Bianliang in ancient times). It is the hometown of Zhu Hai, a famous general of the State of Wei during the Warring States period who helped Xingling Jun Fu rescue Zhao. The town is named "Zhu Xian Town" after Zhu Hai was enshrined as a deity. Door god paintings are one of the most prominent varieties of woodblock New Year prints from Zhu Xian Town. As early as the Song Dynasty, Meng Yuanlao recorded in his book "Dream of the Eastern Capital" that in December, "every year before the festival, the streets sell door gods, Zhong Kui, peach boards, peach symbols, as well as the God of Wealth, donkeys, four-headed deer, horses, and heavenly travel posters." According to Li Bujing's book "Yue Fei and Zhu Xian Town," "red paper door gods were traditional items used during the New Year celebrations and were a famous specialty of the town. In the past, there were over 300 families engaged in this trade." The door god shops of Wantong, Jintian, and Wanhe were established as business names as early as the Ming Dynasty and have a history of over 300 years.
Zhu Xian Town's door god paintings cover a wide range of themes. There are those used to ward off evil spirits, such as "Horseback Whip," "Footbridge Whip," "Zhong Kui," and "Scholarly and Wealthy God of Wealth." There are also auspicious designs like "Five Sons Climbing Scholar's Steps," "Qilin Bringing a Son," and "Promotion and Advancement." Additionally, there are depictions of historical figures and events, such as "Huotangzhai," "Nine Lotus Lantern," and "Changbanpo."
Zhu Xian Town's door god paintings are characterized by full compositions, bold lines, exaggerated figures, vibrant colors, and charming human expressions. As Lu Xun, the pioneer of China's "New Culture Movement," wrote in a letter to the woodblock artist Liu Xan: "Zhu Xian Town's woodblock prints are simple, unadorned, with charming human expressions, rich colors, and a strong local flavor, embodying the unique characteristics of northern New Year prints."