Zhong Kui

Author: Li Shuyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: Zhong Kui is a renowned hero in Chinese folklore known for capturing ghosts, and is also revered as a deity who subdues evil spirits. Folk beliefs hold that Zhong Kui can capture and consume ghosts, and that hanging his portrait can protect homes from evil and attract blessings. Many painters throughout history have depicted Zhong Kui, expressing their admiration for justice and disdain for corruption and evil. Mao Zedong once said, "Zhong Kui paintings are China's comics. Comics can be broadly or narrowly defined, and there are debates about whether they should be singular or diverse. I advocate for the latter." Since Wu Daozi began painting portraits of Zhong Kui in the Tang Dynasty, literati painters and folk artisans have created a series of Zhong Kui images. Among folk deities, Zhong Kui portraits are one of the most flourishing genres, becoming auspicious paintings for warding off evil and attracting blessings, and are widely loved by people. However, when Zhong Kui was depicted as a guardian against evil, painters such as Yan Hui in the Yuan Dynasty and Dai Jin in the Ming Dynasty often portrayed him in a fearsome manner. Since Ren Bo in the late Qing Dynasty, Zhong Kui has been depicted as a lovable and kind figure, making him even more charming. This book specially selects Zhong Kui paintings by contemporary masters and compiles them into a collection. As a unique artistic image, it holds special value and charm, making it a rare gem in the grand garden of Chinese art.