page_title: Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats
hierarchical_section_title: Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats
caption_attribution_description: "Zhong Kui, the Demon Queller, has been a popular subject in figure painting from as early as the Tang dynasty (AD 618-907). The early Zhong Kui portraits were hung at the end of the year to drive away evil spirits. The pine trees, rocks, and river in this painting imply that Zhong is standing in a winter forest, common within early depictions. From around the 15th century, however, Zhong is depicted as a demon queller and bringer of fortune, and imagery in this painting also links him to this new role. For example, a vase held by two demons represents peace, the red coral branch inside wealth, and the fungi at the demon’s waist longevity. The five bats refer to the five blessings: longevity, wealth, health, virtue, and a graceful death. Zhong, holding his jade sceptre, looks up into the sky as if calling to the bats, originally considered as assistants to Zhong because of their ability to search for hidden demons in the dark. New Year Pictures are still hung both to drive away demons and bring good luck, and often feature the Demon Queller." —Ashmolean Museum
context_page_description: Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats is a popular Chinese painting featuring the Chinese mythological spirit Zhong Kui. It originates from the Ming dynasty. A possible painter for this artwork is Wu Wei. The painting is held in the Ashmolean Museum in England.
context_section_description: Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats is a popular Chinese painting featuring the Chinese mythological spirit Zhong Kui. It originates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). A possible painter for this artwork is Wu Wei. The painting is held in the Ashmolean Museum in England.
caption: The painting Zhong Kui the Demon Queller with Five Bats from the Ming dynasty
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