Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats

The painting Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats from the Ming dynasty

Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats is a Chinese painting featuring the Chinese mythological spirit Zhong Kui, dating to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). A possible painter is Wu Wei, though it is probably by a skilled but unknown artist in a similar style. The painting uses a vigorous "popular" style; it is now in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England. It measures 160 x 111.5 cm.[1]

Description

The picture shows Zhong Kui, accompanied by two of his demon followers. The demons are holding a vase and Zhong Kui holds a sceptre while looking up at five bats flying in the sky. In Chinese symbolism, the five bats represent five blessings: health, longevity, virtue, wealth, and a graceful death.[1] The plum blossoms, pine, and bamboo represent perseverance.[2]

In the background is a forested mountain surrounded by a heavy mist. The painting shows a winter landscape; Zhong Kui was associated with repelling bad spirits and attracting blessings at the time of the Chinese New Year.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats". Ashmolean Museum. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  2. ↑ Bycroft, Michael; Dupré, Sven, eds. (27 November 2018). Gems in the Early Modern World: Materials, Knowledge and Global Trade, 1450–1800. Springer. pp. 133–134. ISBN 978-3-319-96379-2. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
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