Door God (Yulei)

These prints were made in a town called Yangliuqing in northern China, where the printing workshops created the highest quality prints in the country. They are made from multiple woodblocks to create outlines and basic colors. Their lush appearance comes from the final touch of hand-painted colors. These two guardians, pictured as warriors, are holding halberds or axe-like weapons. They are said to be Shentu and Yulei, the mythical guardians of the gate to the underworld.