
Artifact Date:
Unknown
Artifact Era/Dynasty:
Unknown
Creator:
Unknown
Creator Ancestory:
Chinese
Department:
The Museum Proper
Replica or Original:
Not a Replica
On Display, In Storage, or in a Private Offsite Collection:
On Display
Primary Material:
Albumen
Medium:
Shiwan Ceramics
Dimensions:
8.5" x 8" x 16"
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A Shiwan Ceramic statue depicting Chinese Deity Zhong Kui in red glaze.
一個用紅釉描繪了中國神祗鍾馗的石灣陶瓷雕像。
Classification/Category:
Furnishings
Specific Classification:
Figurine
Notable Signatures,
Inscriptions, and/or Markings:
Donated by:
Donated by the Fok Ying Tung Foundation
Accession Number
1993.022.002
Catalogue Entry
Zhong Kui is infamously depicted by Shiwan sculptors. Zhong Kui is a diety prominent in Chinese folklore and is also referred to as the "demon hunter". As the ancient story goes, Emperor Tang Xuan Zong dreamed that Zhong Kui had ferociously captured and exorcised all the evil spirits which had been annoying the Emperor. As a mortal, Zhong Kui failed the imperial exams that would've allowed him to become a military officer. Zhong Kui was "stripped of all honors" due to the fact that he was ugly. As a result, Zhong Kui ended his life after repeatedly smashing into the imperial gates. Thus, in his afterlife, he was distinguished for his ability to protect the emporer and living beings.
鍾馗是中國民間傳說中著名的食神,也被稱為「獵魔人」。相傳,唐玄宗夢見鍾馗凶狠地擒殺了所有令皇上心煩意亂的惡鬼。作為凡人,鍾馗未能通過科舉考試成為一名軍官。他因其長相醜陋而被剝奪一切的榮譽。於是,鍾馗多次闖入宮門,結束了自己的生命。因此,在他的來世,他以擁有保護皇帝和眾生的能力而著稱。
Online References:
Hamilton, Mae. 'Zhong Kui": https://mythopedia.com/chinese-mythology/gods/zhong-kui/

Artifact Date:
Unknown