Door God Print Item Number: 806/8 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Two rectangular papers (part a-b) depicting military door gods (wu menshen; 武门神) named Qin Qiong and Yuchi Gong (秦琼 尉迟恭). Each wears an elaborately layered and brightly coloured outfit that consists of wing-like flags from his back, a headdress, and boots. Part a depicts Yuchi Gong (尉迟恭). He is shown holding a long staffed axe in his right hand and in his left, a sword behind his back. Part b depicts Qin Qiong (秦琼). He is shown holding a long blue guandao pole weapon with a white blade top, and a pointed yellow bottom. In his opposite hand he holds a red bow behind his back. The background is a pattern of orange and yellow geometric I-shaped designs.
History Of Use
Known as menshen (门神, door gods), they are considered to protect homes from evil spirits. Prints depicting them are usually displayed on the door inside and outside the house during the Chinese Spring Festival (春节) or Lunar New Year. Such prints are thus known as nianhua (年画, new year pictures). Military door gods would be displayed on the external doors of the home.
Iconographic Meaning
Wu menshen 武门神 (Military Door Gods). Military door god Qin Qiong (秦琼) is often paired with another door god Yuchi Gong (尉迟恭). They are the generals of the Tang Dynasty emperor Tang Taizong (唐太宗). These generals are popular representations for military door gods, and their looks are usually contrasting. Yuchi Gong (尉迟恭), who usually appears on the left side, looks fierce, as compared to Qin Qiong (秦琼), who usually appears on the right side. They face each other to prevent spirits from passing through the doors. Nianhua (年画, new year pictures) are usually printed on plain backgrounds.
Item History
- Made in Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- Collected during December 1981
- Owned by Graham E. Johnson before January 8, 1982
- Received from Graham E. Johnson (Donor) on January 8, 1982
What
- Name
- Door God Print
- Identification Number
- 806/8 a-b
- Type of Item
- Part A
- height 53.3 cm, width 37.3 cm
- Part B
- height 53.7 cm, width 36.9 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese
- Previous Owner
- Graham E. Johnson
- Received from
- Graham E. Johnson (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Dongguan, Guangdong, China
When
- Collection Date
- during December 1981
- Ownership Date
- before January 8, 1982
- Acquisition Date
- on January 8, 1982
Other
- Item Classes
- works on paper
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0806/0008 a-b