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Stealing Magic Herbs (Tale of the White Snake)
Stealing Magic Herbs (Tale of the White Snake)

Stealing Magic Herbs (Tale of the White Snake)

Original Language Title白蛇傳 盜仙草 清末民初
CultureChinese
Datelate 19th-early 20th century
MediumWoodblock print; ink and color on paper
DimensionsOverall: 10 × 10 5/8 inches (25.4 × 26.99 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Laurence Sickman
Object numberF88-44/284
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This popular folktale centers on the love story of the beautiful Lady White, a supernatural spirit who transformed herself into a mortal woman from the spirit of a white snake. Despite her happy marriage in this world, a Buddhist monk was determined to suppress her, because she was a supernatural being. He forced her to revert back to her true form, which frightened her husband, causing his death. In the print on the right, she is stealing magic herbs, trying to restore her husband’s life. In the end, the monk finally buried her underneath a pagoda. In many regional opera versions, a family reunion is added, as featured in the left print, which shows Lady White’s soul greeting her son while he gives offerings at the pagoda.

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