Chinese sculpture of a warrior with a sword, the god Zhong Kui Shoki, terracotta, 19th century
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Large Chinese sculpture in patinated terracotta, representing a bearded warrior with a fierce look holding his sword-saber, representation of the deity Zhong Kui* the demon hunter (Shoki in Japanese), from the 19th century.
This sculpture is in good condition and of remarkable quality. Polychrome-gilt decoration on the sword, its belt, and its feet.
Note: slight scratches and wear on the patina, see photos.
Zhong Kui (Korean: Jong Gyu; Japanese: Shoki; Vietnamese: Chung Quỳ) is a legendary figure in Chinese culture, renowned for warding off ghosts and demons. In Taoism, he is venerated as a protective and exorcist deity (often called Zhong Kui ye, "Lord Zhong Kui") and is sometimes among the gate gods. His image is displayed to ward off evil influences, particularly around the Lunar New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu). He is often depicted in Japanese art (Shoki) as a bearded scholar, armed with a long sword and sometimes wearing a wide-brimmed hat. This hero fights and slays oni (demons). In Taiwan and southern Fujian, at the end of some Ghost Festival ceremonies, a Taoist master (daoshi) or an actor portraying Zhong Kui is sometimes asked to perform the "Zhong Kui Dance" to drive away evil spirits. The iconography became fixed under the Tang dynasty: an angry face, a thick black beard, bulging eyes, a flowing robe (often red), high boots, and a sword in hand. He is frequently surrounded by a procession of small demons that he leads or subdues. He is sometimes depicted with the motif of the "five bats" (wufu), a symbol of the five blessings.