Pictured above is Zhong Kui, a legendary figure in East Asian countries. In China, it is customary that in preparation for the lunar new year, people hang Zhong Kui’s portrait on their doors, as he is the auspicious spirit who protects people from demons and cures incurable diseases.
Zhong Kui was first mentioned in Dream Pool Essays by Song dynasty author Shen Kuo (1031–1095). Shen Kuo recounts how Zhong Kui entered a military examination where he would be judged on his skills to possibly serve in the country’s military. Despite Zhong Kui’s outstanding performance in the examination, he was eliminated due to his unconventional appearance, which was considered grotesque.
One day, the ailing emperor Xuanzong of Tang (685–762) had a dream in which Zhong Kui killed the evil-spirited ghost who had made him ill. The next day, the emperor felt healthy and well. He ordered the great Tang dynasty painter Wu Daozi (680–760) to paint a portrait of Zhong Kui and issued an imperial edict to have his subjects hang Zhong Kui’s portrait at the new year. A tradition was born, and Zhong Kui became a legend.
This artwork is in the collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art, where you can read further about Zhong Kui, view additional images of Zhong Kui, and learn about Lunar New Year traditions.
